My Great Strides Story
Matilda McKellar
Fundraising for San Francisco Great Strides 2026
Matilda McKellar
Welcome to 2026 Northern California Great Strides!
My name is Matilda, I’m 10 years old, and I am an ambassador this year. Here are some things about me:
Before I was able to be on Kalydeco, I was sick a lot and cultured a lot of bad bacteria. I had to go to the hospital more than once. When I was two, I started taking Kalydeco and for a long time that meant I was much healthier. I’ve tried two different modulators and because they kept me healthy, I worried less, but unfortunately, they have recently had bad side effects for me, so I am taking a break from them right now. The first one gave me really bad headaches all the time and the second one made me feel very depressed.
For a long time I didn’t like to talk about my CF around kids at school, even my friends. I felt worried that people would think I was making too big of a deal about it or would think I was weak or trying to get attention. Now I realize that I was wrong. When I decided to ask my friends to join me at the Great Strides Walk, I saw how much they do understand and learned that they care and want to help me and others with CF.
I am so glad that the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation works hard and raises money to help find drugs that will work for everyone. It makes me feel less worried about what will happen in my future. That’s why this walk is so important.
I’m so proud to bring my friends and family together for the cause and am so thankful that you are joining in to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Together we can shine bright and walk bold until CF stands for Cure Found!
My name is Matilda, I’m 10 years old, and I am an ambassador this year. Here are some things about me:
- I’m in fifth grade and I have a twin sister.
- We have two cats and two guinea pigs. I really love animals and taking care of them and I hope to someday have a job working with animals.
- I also love swimming (I’m on a swim team), acting in plays, playing piano, making art, and, of course, hanging out with my friends and family.
Before I was able to be on Kalydeco, I was sick a lot and cultured a lot of bad bacteria. I had to go to the hospital more than once. When I was two, I started taking Kalydeco and for a long time that meant I was much healthier. I’ve tried two different modulators and because they kept me healthy, I worried less, but unfortunately, they have recently had bad side effects for me, so I am taking a break from them right now. The first one gave me really bad headaches all the time and the second one made me feel very depressed.
For a long time I didn’t like to talk about my CF around kids at school, even my friends. I felt worried that people would think I was making too big of a deal about it or would think I was weak or trying to get attention. Now I realize that I was wrong. When I decided to ask my friends to join me at the Great Strides Walk, I saw how much they do understand and learned that they care and want to help me and others with CF.
I am so glad that the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation works hard and raises money to help find drugs that will work for everyone. It makes me feel less worried about what will happen in my future. That’s why this walk is so important.
I’m so proud to bring my friends and family together for the cause and am so thankful that you are joining in to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Together we can shine bright and walk bold until CF stands for Cure Found!
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