GREAT STRIDES is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's largest and most successful national fund-raising event. This year, I'm walking in the GREAT STRIDES walk at the 2008 Presque Isle - Presque Isle State Park, Cookhouse Pavilion walk on 05/17/2008. Please help me meet my fund-raising goal of $150.00 by sponsoring me. Your generous gift will be used efficiently and effectively, as nearly 90 cents of every dollar of revenue raised is available for investment in vital CF programs to support research, care and education.

Making a donation is easy and secure! Just click the "Click to Donate" button on this page to go to make a donation that will be credited to my team. Any amount you can donate is greatly appreciated!

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a devastating genetic disease that affects tens of thousands of children and young adults in the United States. Research and care supported by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is making a huge difference in extending the quality of life for those with CF. However, we continue to lose precious lives to CF every day. That's why your help is needed now more than ever to ensure that a cure is found sooner - rather than later. To learn more about CF and the CF Foundation, visit www.cff.org.

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those with CF! Thank you for supporting the mission of the CF Foundation and GREAT STRIDES!

My Story:

I was born on November 28th, 1985, on which that day I was born almost dead. They had to work on me and, give me major surgery the day I was born.

Growing up I had numerous surgeries and hopital stays. It was hard not being able to go out and have a normal life like the rest of the children. But I tried my best to keep up and live as normal as I could. But it is hard to name anything normal, when you have to stop to breathe, take many medications. And you miss out on so much growing up in the hospital. The worst part was, not knowing when and infection or collapsed lung, could put me into serious danger, or end my life.

It was hard growing up with younger siblings, whom did not have CF. They are my world sometimes. And it hurts me to know they suffer with me. Through my ups they celebrate with me!

School was hard ot keep up in, but I did manage, and get to graduation and graduated! Someitmes CF patiants have to have home schooling.

At the age of 16 was major ICU stay which started changing my health from bad, to even worse.

At the age of 19, my doc hinted at me about maybe startng work up for transplant. At the age of 20 I spent my birthday in the hospital, But it wasn't so bad seeng as I was used to sitting there. The fast I was still alive, I was so thankful.

In early 2006 about January I fell and broke my sternum.. Which led ot horrible infections and so much pain I could barely cough..

By the beginning of 2006 my doc said I need to get listed for a double lung transplant, or I would die. It was difficult. Trying to hold myself togethor, while letting my loved ones know. That I might not see that age of 21...

SO I started work up for transplant, and attempted to have a G-tube placed in me (a feeding tube). My body didn't like it and rejected it pretty much, so I had ot take it out. In high school my weight averaged 125-130 lbs.

But by the time I got to transplant I was 90-95 lbs... My lung function was 17%, and I was on oxygen on the time. My sister always slept in bed next to me when I wasn't in the hospital. I was afraid to sleep alone.

June before I was completely tested for listing. I ended up in the ICU on life support. Sad thing is, I only felt worn down. But I got used to the "norm of sick".. I went to go to sleep at home, and woke up in the ICU with a vent down my throat.. A machine, keeping me alive... It was scarey to wake up to that. I made it out, and had a summer to fullest I could live it to!

In September I was listed on the organ waiting list. a Month and eleven days later, I got the call, and it was not a dry run. The lungs were in excellent shape, so I ended up going through with transplant! Now here I sit, alive, and being able to breathe. I couldn't even imagine before transplant, how much my breathing would change.

I only spent 11 days in the hospital after transplant. And an additional 2 weeks at the Ronald McDonald's House..

My transplant team is amazing. I trust them with my life.

I have lost a good amount of friends to CF, and it kills me inside, that.. They had to suffer. A baby.. even has the chance of not making it. Now when I hear a baby is newly diagnosed. I cry. Because they might have a rocky future ahead of them. I wish children never had to be the ones ot suffer from this.

I hope to help find a cure, or at least raise awareness of Cystic Fibrosis. I know it's too late for me for a cure, but, for the future. I want them to be able to enjoy life, like someone should!

I loved my life always have. But now I am more capable of claiming back my life, that CF tried to take from me.

So please, any amount counts, even if it's a dollar.. Please help.

Help Fight this faceless enemy known as CF, don't let it take the breath away from someone who could do great thingsi n this world!!