Cody's Story
Jodi Silva
Jodi Silva
Here a little bit of Cody’s story and explanation of cystic fibrosis.
Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. Crystal and Colten both were not aware they were carriers of the gene. No family members in both families have CF. The State of Arizona started doing mandatory newborn screenings in 2008. This is how they found out when Cody was just four days old. Seven scientists re-screened Cody’s blood before determining he did in fact have the gene and is pancreas insufficient. He has had a total of 2 hospitalizations. The longest being two weeks. Both were before he was a month old. He has not been re-admitted since and is healthy, happy and thriving! He has the best team of doctors which include a pulmonologist, dietitian, and gastroenterologist, and a few amazing nurses! The best ones being his mommy and daddy who are doing all daily treatments like pros and keeping him so healthy!
In people with CF, mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene cause the CFTR protein to become dysfunctional. When the protein is not working correctly, it’s unable to help move chloride — a component of salt — to the cell surface. Without the chloride to attract water to the cell surface, the mucus in various organs becomes thick and sticky. In the lungs, the mucus clogs the airways and traps germs, like bacteria, leading to infections, inflammation, respiratory failure, and other complications. For this reason, avoiding germs is a top concern for people with CF and why Crystal and Colten are very strict with his outings and making sure family and friends are healthy when visiting.
In the pancreas, the buildup of mucus prevents the release of digestive enzymes that help the body absorb food and key nutrients, resulting in malnutrition and poor growth. In the liver, the thick mucus can block the bile duct, causing liver disease. Cody takes enzymes before every feed to help his body absorb nutrients and takes salt daily.
Cystic fibrosis is a complex disease. The types of symptoms and how severe they are can differ widely from person to person. We are blessed and so grateful Cody is doing so great! We know our little CF warrior will continue to thrive and we believe with all medical advancements he will live a long and healthy life! ❤️
Will you help us end cystic fibrosis?
By donating to my fundraising goal, you have the power to advance the research and science needed to drive our shared dream forward – a cure for everyone with CF.
Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. Crystal and Colten both were not aware they were carriers of the gene. No family members in both families have CF. The State of Arizona started doing mandatory newborn screenings in 2008. This is how they found out when Cody was just four days old. Seven scientists re-screened Cody’s blood before determining he did in fact have the gene and is pancreas insufficient. He has had a total of 2 hospitalizations. The longest being two weeks. Both were before he was a month old. He has not been re-admitted since and is healthy, happy and thriving! He has the best team of doctors which include a pulmonologist, dietitian, and gastroenterologist, and a few amazing nurses! The best ones being his mommy and daddy who are doing all daily treatments like pros and keeping him so healthy!
In people with CF, mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene cause the CFTR protein to become dysfunctional. When the protein is not working correctly, it’s unable to help move chloride — a component of salt — to the cell surface. Without the chloride to attract water to the cell surface, the mucus in various organs becomes thick and sticky. In the lungs, the mucus clogs the airways and traps germs, like bacteria, leading to infections, inflammation, respiratory failure, and other complications. For this reason, avoiding germs is a top concern for people with CF and why Crystal and Colten are very strict with his outings and making sure family and friends are healthy when visiting.
In the pancreas, the buildup of mucus prevents the release of digestive enzymes that help the body absorb food and key nutrients, resulting in malnutrition and poor growth. In the liver, the thick mucus can block the bile duct, causing liver disease. Cody takes enzymes before every feed to help his body absorb nutrients and takes salt daily.
Cystic fibrosis is a complex disease. The types of symptoms and how severe they are can differ widely from person to person. We are blessed and so grateful Cody is doing so great! We know our little CF warrior will continue to thrive and we believe with all medical advancements he will live a long and healthy life! ❤️
Will you help us end cystic fibrosis?
By donating to my fundraising goal, you have the power to advance the research and science needed to drive our shared dream forward – a cure for everyone with CF.
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