

My Great Strides Story
Fundraising for Gateway Great Strides 2026
Jillian Simpson
Connor was born in August 2023 and, after an emergency surgery on Day 2 due to meconium ileus (a bowel obstruction), was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.
Since the day he was born, he has never ceased to amaze us with his strength and resilience through every challenge he’s faced. From being a tiny baby with an ostomy bag for several months, to multiple surgeries and many illnesses over the past 2½ years, Connor has persisted with a smile and taken on every treatment necessary to get better.
Because of research and innovation, Connor has access to life‑changing treatments that help manage his cystic fibrosis. These treatments help keep his lungs clearer, allow his body to absorb nutrition, and give him a better chance to grow and thrive. While treatments have come a long way, they still require hours every day to complete—precious time that he’d otherwise have to just be a kid.
Ultimately, these treatments are not a cure—and not every person with CF is eligible for them or able to access them. Many in the CF community still don’t benefit from the medications available today.
We walk for Connor, and we walk for the entire CF community—until CF no longer means daily treatments, hospital visits, or uncertainty.
We walk for the day CF stands for Cure Found—for everyone.







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