My Great Strides Story
Michael Steinhaus
Fundraising for West Suburban Great Strides 2026
Michael Steinhaus
My daughter Emily has Cystic Fibrosis. On the outside she looks no different than any other energetic 6 year old, but from the moment she was born, she has been a fighter. She had surgery the day after she was born to save her life and a few days later we learned of her diagnosis. A doctor from a Cystic Fibrosis Foundation funded clinic came spoke to my wife and I and explained to us what Cystic Fibrosis was and what Emily's life would look like. We had never heard of Cystic Fibrosis but learned as quickly as we could. We cried as we learned her life expectancy was only in her late 30's and the about the battle her body would have to fight. It was the scariest few days of my life but the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation was there from the beginning to help educate and support us. We slowly came to the realization that it would be hard work everyday but there was an endless amount of hope. A lot of this hope stemmed from the tireless research, effort and fundraising of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. They support. We listened to the stories of other families affect by this disease and knew we had to get involved to help in the fight. There is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis and too many people with CF die young. I’m walking to help change that reality.
CF is a genetic, life-shortening disease that devastates the lungs, pancreas, and other vital organs. CF makes it difficult to breathe and fight life-threatening infections, often leading to extensive lung damage and respiratory failure.
Every person born with cystic fibrosis is on a unique journey and experiences this challenging disease differently. While progress has been made, a long road lies ahead for far too many people fighting this terrible disease. We need a cure so that everyone with CF has a better chance to live a long, 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.
CF is a genetic, life-shortening disease that devastates the lungs, pancreas, and other vital organs. CF makes it difficult to breathe and fight life-threatening infections, often leading to extensive lung damage and respiratory failure.
Every person born with cystic fibrosis is on a unique journey and experiences this challenging disease differently. While progress has been made, a long road lies ahead for far too many people fighting this terrible disease. We need a cure so that everyone with CF has a better chance to live a long, 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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