Adaira’s Story

Adaira is 15 years old—bright, creative, and an incredibly talented artist. Like most teenagers, she loves spending time with friends, learning new things, and discovering who she is. She is currently a freshman in high school, and at heart, she wants what every teenager wants—to feel normal.

But living with Cystic Fibrosis makes that incredibly hard.

Behind the scenes of her art, her smile, and her determination, Adaira is fighting a lifelong, progressive disease that affects every part of her daily routine. In addition to the physical toll CF takes on her lungs and digestion, Adaira also battles mental health challenges—something that is very common for kids living with chronic illness. The constant treatments, hospital stays, missed school days, and uncertainty about the future weigh heavily on her.

Because of her health struggles, Adaira has been given the option to complete most of her schoolwork remotely. This flexibility allows her to keep up academically while managing treatments, fatigue, and medical appointments. When she is feeling well enough, she goes into school for additional help and support, doing her best to stay connected to her classmates and experience school like other kids her age.

It’s a difficult balance—wanting independence and normalcy while needing accommodations just to keep going.

Earlier this year, Adaira spent two weeks hospitalized for a CF “tune‑up,” an intensive treatment period to fight infection and support her lung health. These hospitalizations are physically and emotionally exhausting and often mean stepping away from school, friends, and everyday teenage life.

Adaira has participated in three different CF drug studies, bravely contributing to research that may one day help others—even though there is currently no cure that works for her. She continues daily breathing treatments, chest therapy, enzymes, and medications, knowing this routine will likely be part of her life for the foreseeable future.

Still, Adaira keeps creating.
She keeps learning.
She keeps hoping.

That is why we walk.

Donations to Great Strides directly support the research that makes longer, healthier lives possible for people like Adaira. They fund the science that eases daily suffering, reduces hospital stays, and brings us closer to treatments—and cures—for every person with cystic fibrosis.

When you donate, you’re not just supporting medical research.
You’re helping a 15‑year‑old girl chase her dreams, protect her mental health, and hold onto the simple hope of growing up and living a full life.

Thank you for standing with Adaira—and for helping us keep moving forward until CF stands for Cure Found.

Please donate today to Adaira’s Angels. Your support helps our family keep going and gives Adaira hope for a healthier, more normal future.