We are back and ready to support the research efforts which are working to discover a cure for the life threatening disease Cystic Fibrosis! GREAT STRIDES is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's largest and most successful national fundraising event. This year, we are walking in the GREAT STRIDES walk at the Pleasanton Sports Complex on Saturday, May 12.

The CF community has become much like an extended family and the support we have felt as we have faced our own trials with this terminal illness has been incredible. We have come to be involved with the CF community after our first son Jackson was diagnosed in 2007 with the terminal illness when he was just 8 weeks old.

"CF is a life-threatening disease that causes mucus to build up and clog some of the organs in the body, particularly in the lungs and pancreas. When mucus clogs the lungs, it can make breathing very difficult. The thick mucus also causes bacteria (or germs) to get stuck in the airways, which causes inflammation (or swelling) and infections that leads to lung damage. Mucus also can block the digestive tract and pancreas. The mucus stops digestive enzymes from getting to the intestines" (Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 2012).

At this time there is no cure for CF and the 'average' life expectancy for a person with CF is 37 years. That is difficult for us to accept. We meet bi-monthly with a wonderful medical team who are dedicated to keeping Jack strong and healthy.

With that said, Brett and I decided that we would dedicate ourselves to the effort of finding a cure for CF. This year I have committed to running the Quarry Lakes Regional Marathon here in the Bay Area on May 5th, and am in the thick of training now! It has been challenging to say the least! The following weekend on Saturday, May 12th you will find our family and friends out walking for the cause in Pleasanton.

Exercise is essential for kids with CF. It keeps their lungs healthy and has been shown to prolong their life expectancy. We hope that through example and by encouraging Jackson to be active he will grow up playing many sports and perhaps one day we will be able to run a marathon together!

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 our team! Every dollar helps. We are truly grateful for each of you and thank you sincerely for your generosity and kindness, don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate or come walk with us! All are welcome to join us!