

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 on, everything changed - and our focus became simple: do everything we can to find a cure for our son.
Each day starts and ends with treatments to help clear Harry’s lungs. Every meal and snack comes with pancreatic enzymes so his body can absorb the nutrients he needs to grow. Over time, all of this “extra maintenance,” as we call it, has started to feel more normal - just part of our everyday life.
CF is often called an “invisible disease,” and that couldn’t be more true. From the outside, Harry looks like any other happy child. But behind the scenes, there’s so much that goes into keeping him healthy. CF touches nearly every decision we make - from whether we go to a birthday party or the aquarium, to even having people over at our home. I’ve never thought about germs more in my life, or how to prevent them as much as possible.
At the same time, we know we can’t control everything. So we remind ourselves to live — to give Harry a life full of joy that isn’t defined by CF. That said, I’ll always have sanitizing wipes on me.
Along the way, we celebrate the small wins that mean everything to us. A great first X-ray. The first time his oxygen levels hit 100%. Steady weight gain. Clear lungs. These moments remind us that all of this effort is working.
Because of the groundbreaking work of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, there are now treatments that are changing and extending lives. Not long ago, many people with CF weren’t expected to live into their teens. Today, thanks to decades of research funded by families, donors, and communities, kids like Harry have a real chance at long, full lives.
Harry will be eligible for modulator therapy when he turns two this September — something we are incredibly grateful for. These treatments target the underlying cause of CF for certain mutations and can make a life-changing difference.
But CF is different for everyone. There are over 2,000 genetic mutations, and many people still don’t have medications that work for them. That’s why continued research and fundraising are so important.
We raise money not just for Harry, but for the 40,000 people in the U.S. living with CF - and for the families still waiting for treatments that will work for their loved ones.
We are committed to giving Harry a childhood filled with joy, adventure, friendship, and beautiful memories. We truly believe we are getting closer to a cure in our lifetime, and we will do everything we can to be part of that journey. Every child deserves the chance to live a long, healthy life.
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 - it means more than we can ever fully express.
There’s something incredibly powerful about seeing so many people show up for your child and stand beside your family. Your love and support remind us every single day that we are not alone in this fight.
Together, we can keep pushing research forward and move closer to a cure. Thank you for standing with Harry - and with everyone living with Cystic Fibrosis.
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