My Great Strides Story
Ashley Bradley
Fundraising for Mobile Great Strides 2026
Ashley Bradley
Dearest friends,
“For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and future” – Jeremiah 29:11
Future is defined as: at a later time; going or likely to happen or exist. In 2008, the life expectancy of those born with CF was 26 years old. While we sat at her bedside in the NICU for 28 long days and nights, we were terrified of what her future might look like. 17 years later, a couple of surgeries, IV nutrition, ileostomies, countless doctors’ appointments, thousands of breathing treatments and even more pills – Lacy’s FUTURE could not be BRIGHTER! God always had a plan for her, even when we couldn’t see it.
Exactly 5 years ago, Lacy started taking Trikafta. Trikafta is a CFTR modulator, made up of 3 different drugs. The combination of these three drugs helps the CFTR protein regulate the proper flow of water and chloride in and out of the cells lining in the lungs and other organs. This helps prevent the buildup of thick, sticky mucus, which can lead to infections in the lungs and damage to the pancreas. While we are grateful that Lacy does not have to do breathing treatments anymore and she only goes to CF Clinic once a year, she still takes a dozen pills every day. So even though Trikfata and other CFTR modulators have improved the quality of life for so many with CF – IT IS NOT A CURE.
Research as recently shifted their focus to investing in genetic therapies – including mRNA therapy, gene therapy, and gene editing – could potentially benefit everyone with CF, regardless of mutation. One strategy is to provide correct copies of the genetic instructions to cells, either through mRNA therapy or gene (DNA) therapy. Another approach is to correct the mutation in a person’s own DNA, known as gene editing. Each of these approaches would allow cells to make functional CFTR protein. Although genetic therapy research has come a long way, there is still more work to do.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the world's leader in the fight against CF, whose drive is to provide effective treatments and — one day — a cure to every individual with this disease. In 2023, the Foundation advanced these efforts by funding approximately $243 million in laboratory research, preclinical drug development, and clinical and real-world research — the largest amount to date.
Great Strides is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s largest national fundraising event, which supports the mission to cure CF. While progress has been made, precious lives are still lost to CF every year.
Mobile’s Great Strides walk is May 2 at Langan Park. Our family will be there and would love for you to join us. But, as always, the focus is raising money for a CURE. If you would like to donate to Team Loving Lacy, please go to fundraise.cff.org/mobile2026/lovinglacy. Let’s continue to pray for an even BRIGHTER FUTURE for Lacy and everyone living with Cystic Fibrosis!
With much love & gratitude,
Ashley and Brad
“For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and future” – Jeremiah 29:11
Future is defined as: at a later time; going or likely to happen or exist. In 2008, the life expectancy of those born with CF was 26 years old. While we sat at her bedside in the NICU for 28 long days and nights, we were terrified of what her future might look like. 17 years later, a couple of surgeries, IV nutrition, ileostomies, countless doctors’ appointments, thousands of breathing treatments and even more pills – Lacy’s FUTURE could not be BRIGHTER! God always had a plan for her, even when we couldn’t see it.
Exactly 5 years ago, Lacy started taking Trikafta. Trikafta is a CFTR modulator, made up of 3 different drugs. The combination of these three drugs helps the CFTR protein regulate the proper flow of water and chloride in and out of the cells lining in the lungs and other organs. This helps prevent the buildup of thick, sticky mucus, which can lead to infections in the lungs and damage to the pancreas. While we are grateful that Lacy does not have to do breathing treatments anymore and she only goes to CF Clinic once a year, she still takes a dozen pills every day. So even though Trikfata and other CFTR modulators have improved the quality of life for so many with CF – IT IS NOT A CURE.
Research as recently shifted their focus to investing in genetic therapies – including mRNA therapy, gene therapy, and gene editing – could potentially benefit everyone with CF, regardless of mutation. One strategy is to provide correct copies of the genetic instructions to cells, either through mRNA therapy or gene (DNA) therapy. Another approach is to correct the mutation in a person’s own DNA, known as gene editing. Each of these approaches would allow cells to make functional CFTR protein. Although genetic therapy research has come a long way, there is still more work to do.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the world's leader in the fight against CF, whose drive is to provide effective treatments and — one day — a cure to every individual with this disease. In 2023, the Foundation advanced these efforts by funding approximately $243 million in laboratory research, preclinical drug development, and clinical and real-world research — the largest amount to date.
Great Strides is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s largest national fundraising event, which supports the mission to cure CF. While progress has been made, precious lives are still lost to CF every year.
Mobile’s Great Strides walk is May 2 at Langan Park. Our family will be there and would love for you to join us. But, as always, the focus is raising money for a CURE. If you would like to donate to Team Loving Lacy, please go to fundraise.cff.org/mobile2026/lovinglacy. Let’s continue to pray for an even BRIGHTER FUTURE for Lacy and everyone living with Cystic Fibrosis!
With much love & gratitude,
Ashley and Brad
APR
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