August 12, 2026
Dear Friends and Family,  
      Tracy's son was born in the summer of 1999. That year, we learned our least favorite words, Cystic Fibrosis.  Brendan was diagnosed with this genetic disease not long after he joined our family. At that time, the life expectancy of someone with CF was in the early 30’s, we were devastated. We began our own research to learn everything we could about CF including connecting with other families being affected by this disease.  In our search, we learned about the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. We knew, right way, that we wanted to be a part of this organization. We were, and still are, 100% committed to being a part of this great organization, not only for our family but for all families who have a loved one who has been affected by CF. When we first became part of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and created our Great Strides Team, we named it – Brendan Bears. As the years went by and Brendan added candles to his birthday cakes, the CF Foundation was adding years to the life expectancy of CF patients. Each year, we added more walkers (and most importantly dollars) to the Brendan Bears Great Strides Team.  
     In 2009, our family was complete, when Bella was born. She, too, has Cystic Fibrosis. We were no longer just walking for Brendan. That year, our Great Strides Team became Brendan and Bella Bears. During the 10 years between when Brendan was born until the time Bella entered the world, the life expectancy had climbed to the late 30’s. We could see that our commitment and dedication, combined with thousands of others, was helping to raise the funds needed to continue CF research. We made a vow that we would continue our commitment to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and each year, continue to raise money so the research can continue to make advancements.  
This year’s update is a little different. On February 15, 2026, Brendan and Bella lost their dad, Tim. This life altering event is still very fresh and will continue to affect both their lives for many years to come. Before Tim passed, he was able to see Brendan become an adult and begin his lifelong dream of working in the aviation field. He also watched Bella grow into a confident, smart & beautiful teenager. Though Tim missed her 17^th birthday, just 3 days after he passed, Bella has found strength in her family and her sisters at St. Mary’s Dominican High School. She just began her senior year, and her brother has vowed to be by her side every step of the way. Both Brendan and Bella will continue to navigate life’s major milestones without their dad but will carry with them the life lessons he taught them. They will continue to be strong and fight through their disease, not just for themselves but also for their dad.  
     This year marks our 27th Great Strides Walk! The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will not stop until life-saving drug therapies are found for ALL CF patients. We invite you to be part of our success by donating to our team or coming out to walk with us on Saturday, September 19th, at The Batture in New Orleans, 4PM – 8PM.  
 
Jonathan B. Haslauer, Tracy Haslauer Novak and Beverly B. Haslauer