I walk for my son, Owen.

Owen is a curious, joyful, stubborn (in the very best way), and full of life 3 year old. At just six weeks old, he was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. In an instant, our world shifted. What we thought would be a newborn phase filled with simple milestones became a crash course in enzymes, breathing treatments, medications, and hospital visits.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic, life-shortening disease that affects the lungs, pancreas, and other vital organs. It makes it harder to breathe, harder to fight infections, and harder to simply exist without constant medical intervention. There is currently no cure.

Every single day, Owen works harder than most people ever realize just to do ordinary things like eating, growing, and breathing. His routine includes multiple medications, treatments, and careful monitoring, all before most kids have finished breakfast. And yet, he laughs loudly, loves fiercely, and reminds us daily why this fight matters.

CF looks different for every person who has it. Some, like Owen, are lucky enough to access life-changing treatments. Others are still waiting. Too many people with CF are still fighting for their lives and too many don’t get the chance to grow up.

I raise money for Great Strides because Owen deserves a future where CF does not define or limit his life. No parent should have to wonder how much time their child will have or if they will outlive them. Research works and progress has already changed lives, and it will keep doing so if we keep showing up.

By donating, you are helping fund the science, care, and breakthroughs needed to move us closer to a cure not just for Owen, but for everyone living with cystic fibrosis.

Thank you for walking with us. Thank you for believing in a future where CF stands for Cure Found.