

Harry's Great Strides Story
Fundraising for New Canaan Great Strides 2026
Jess and Matt Haimson
Harry was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis when he was just 10 days old. From that moment, our purpose has been to do everything we can to find a cure for our son.
Every day begins and ends with treatments to help clear Harry’s lungs.
Every meal and snack requires pancreatic enzymes so his body can absorb the nutrients it needs to grow.
Now that some time has passed, all of this "extra maintenance" as we call it, has started to feel more natural and just another part of our daily routine.
CF is often called an “invisible disease,” and that couldn’t be more true. From the outside, you wouldn’t know how much work goes into keeping Harry healthy. But behind the scenes, CF touches nearly every part of our lives. Every decision we make, all things are considered - like whether we take him to the birthday party, the aquarium, or even having people in our home. I have never thought of anything as much as I think about germs and how to prevent them as much as I can.
BUT we know we cannot control everything, so we try to remind ourselves to LIVE and give Harry a life that is not overshadowed by CF. However, you will still find me out and about with sanitizing wipes, no question.
Along the way, we celebrate the small victories that mean the world to us! A great first X-ray, the first time his oxygen levels hit 100%, steady weight gain, and clear lungs! These moments remind us that all of the work is WORKING.
Because of the groundbreaking work of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, there are now therapies that are extending and transforming lives. Not long ago, many people with CF weren’t expected to live into their teens. Today, because of decades of research funded by families, donors, and communities, children like Harry have a real chance at living long, full lives.
Harry is eligible for modulator therapy when he turns two this September, something we are incredibly grateful for. These therapies treat the underlying cause of CF for certain genetic mutations and can dramatically improve quality of life.
But CF looks different for everyone. There are over 2,000 genetic mutations, and many people still do not have medications that work for them. That’s why fundraising and continued research are so important.
We raise money not only for Harry, but for the 40,000 people in the United States living with Cystic Fibrosis and for the families who are still waiting for treatments that will work for themselves or their loved ones.
We are committed to giving Harry a childhood filled with joy, adventures, friends, and memories. We are SO close to a cure in this lifetime, and we will do anything we can to be here to see it happen. All people, all children, deserve to live long, healthy lives.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who has supported Harry and our family. Whether you donated, joined our team, shared our story, or simply kept Harry in your thoughts and prayers, your support means more than what we can put into words.
There is something truly indescribable about seeing so many people show love to your child and stand with your family. We are endlessly grateful to all of you for caring about our son. Your generosity and love remind us every day that we are not alone in this fight.
Together, we can continue pushing research forward and bring us one step closer to a cure!! Thank you for standing with Harry, and with everyone living with Cystic Fibrosis!! ❤️
13







Comments