The Great Strides Walk for cystic fibrosis is May 10^th. This is the 21st year that our team has participated in fundraising for CF.  I will not be walking this year because I will be attending Aidan’s college graduation! Even though I am not walking, I am still trying to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Cystic Fibrosis is a life shortening genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. Thick mucus clogs the lungs leading to life threatening lung infections. This mucus also prevents natural enzymes in the pancreas from breaking down and absorbing food. CF can cause chronic sinusitis, stunted growth of fingers and toes, and diabetes. There are nearly 40,000 people in the United States who have CF and more than ten million people are unknowing, symptomless carriers of the disease.
Amazing progress continues in the development of drugs and treatments to improve the lives of CF patients, but there is still no cure.
Aidan is a very high-energy person who rarely lets CF slow him down. He is a typical young adult who has to do some not so typical things as part of his daily routine.  He takes enzymes before eating any food containing fat or protein – about 30 pills a day.  He uses nine additional medications, nose sprays, and nutritional supplements each day.  He also requires a diet high in calories and sodium to fight off infection and maintain his weight.  He spends nearly one hour a day doing breathing treatments - using an inhaler, a compression vest and a nebulizer. There have been a few health issues for Aidan the past year. Besides the usual lung infections, he had to have sinus surgery to remove polyps. He is also wearing a blood sugar monitor which will show any development of CF related diabetes (CFRD). In March, shortly after he enrolled in a drug trial for a treatment that will specifically target his rare genetic cf mutation, the trial was postponed due to lack of funding.
My personal fundraising goal is $1500.  I am asking you to help me reach this goal by making a tax-deductible donation. Every dollar matters! Your donation will help fund research and patient advocacy programs.  It is easy and convenient to make a secure donation online at fundraise.cff.org/kansascity2025/marciacollins. This method is especially helpful with my record keeping. If you prefer, I have enclosed a self-addressed envelope.  Please make checks payable to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. I sincerely appreciate your support.  Together we can make CF stand for Cure Found!
                             
 The Great Strides Walk for cystic fibrosis is May 10^th. This is the 21st year that our team has participated in fundraising for CF.  I will not be walking this year because I will be attending Aidan’s college graduation! Even though I am not walking, I am still trying to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Cystic Fibrosis is a life shortening genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. Thick mucus clogs the lungs leading to life threatening lung infections. This mucus also prevents natural enzymes in the pancreas from breaking down and absorbing food. CF can cause chronic sinusitis, stunted growth of fingers and toes, and diabetes. There are nearly 40,000 people in the United States who have CF and more than ten million people are unknowing, symptomless carriers of the disease.
Amazing progress continues in the development of drugs and treatments to improve the lives of CF patients, but there is still no cure.
Aidan is a very high-energy person who rarely lets CF slow him down. He is a typical young adult who has to do some not so typical things as part of his daily routine.  He takes enzymes before eating any food containing fat or protein – about 30 pills a day.  He uses nine additional medications, nose sprays, and nutritional supplements each day.  He also requires a diet high in calories and sodium to fight off infection and maintain his weight.  He spends nearly one hour a day doing breathing treatments - using an inhaler, a compression vest and a nebulizer. There have been a few health issues for Aidan the past year. Besides the usual lung infections, he had to have sinus surgery to remove polyps. He is also wearing a blood sugar monitor which will show any development of CF related diabetes (CFRD). In March, shortly after he enrolled in a drug trial for a treatment that will specifically target his rare genetic cf mutation, the trial was postponed due to lack of funding.
My personal fundraising goal is $1500.  I am asking you to help me reach this goal by making a tax-deductible donation. Every dollar matters! Your donation will help fund research and patient advocacy programs.  It is easy and convenient to make a secure donation online at fundraise.cff.org/kansascity2025/marciacollins. This method is especially helpful with my record keeping. If you prefer, I have enclosed a self-addressed envelope.  Please make checks payable to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. I sincerely appreciate your support.  Together we can make CF stand for Cure Found!