Cystic Fibrosis & Those Fighting It

Cystic Fibrosis is something I have known about for quite a while now.  One of my very best friends, Karla, was diagnosed with it close to the same time that I met her 13 years ago.  I've always told her that I consider her one of the toughest people I know.  She amazes me all the time at the things she can accomplish!  And she makes doing her treatments look so glamorous! 

 

 

But they are no joke.  And all the meds she has to take are no joke either.  And feeling crummy and keeping up with three kids isn't easy for anyone.  She doesn't ever complain - she just lives her life.  I admire her so much.  She is so special to me and I would love for there to be a cure.  I would love more than anything in the world to give that to her.

I've recently met a little girl named Natalie who also has Cystic Fibrosis.  Natalie's older sister Hailey and Lyla were in kindergarten together and hit it off from day one.  Over the summer we all started hanging out together.  And becoming friend's with Natalie and Hailey's mom, Lindsey, has shed a whole different light on this disease for me. 

Its one thing when you yourself, as an adult, are struggling to breath.  Its awful and terrifying and I hate to think of Karla going through that.  But as a mother to see your little girl struggling.... well that is just heart wrenching. 

This is a video Natalie's Dad, Doug, made to show what life with CF is like for little Natalie and raise some awareness:

Lindsey and Doug, after learning of Natalie's diagnosis have taken on all sorts of athletic fundraisers.  The next one they are participating in is an Xtreme hike.  I just donated and I ask you - if you are able and willing - to do the same. 

Nattles Battle Xtreme Hike

Gary and I reflect quite often on the fact that we were very lucky with Lyla.  We decided we wanted to have a baby, got pregnant on the first try, had Lyla and everything was fine.  I don't say that to brag or rub it in anyone's face who hasn't had it that easy.  From fertility struggles to miscarriages and still births.  From babies dying of SIDS and SUID.  And then there are the diseases that there are not cures for.  Angelman Syndrome, Cystic Fibrosis....  All these things have touched me personally and I feel like its my duty to do what I can to help my friends and family and to raise awareness. 

Gary and I don't make a lot of money.  And we enjoy going out to dinner, going to concerts... Lots of things that cost $50 a pop.  But we also try to donate when we can and help to raise awareness and show our support to the ones we love.

If the choice this week is going out to dinner or helping fund a cure for someone I love, I'm going to pick the cure.  Every time.