My team
I Run to Cure CF!
Over 10 years ago, Chris's Fighters entered the Relay Team chat to raise money and awareness for CF. The REASON for our entrance was very unique.
For 2 years straight (2014 and 2015), my cousin Christopher, who was diagnosed with CF at 18-months old, ran the half-marathon in under two hours with SEMI-functioning lungs (I, with full-functioning lungs, was standing on the sideline, cheering loudly (of course).
After that, Chris's lung function seriously decreased to the point that I very rarely even want to revisit that timeframe in my mind. He needed oxygen on a regular basis, despite being in his early to mid 20s.
When Chris decided he could not run the following year in his beloved marathon, Chris's Fighters stepped up. We immediately rallied behind him, and every year, for the past 10 years, Chris's Fighters has ran in the relay to "hold Chris's spot" because I KNEW he would one day be back running with us.
In 2020, YESSSSS--WHEN THE WHOLE COUNTRY WAS GOING THROUGH COVID CRISIS-- Chris got the call--NEW LUNGS. A double lung transplant is the only "cure" for CF (& even with a transplant, there are so many things that go into it POST a successful surgery). SO, in August of that year, Chris had his 12-hour surgery for new lungs, and Chris's Fighters kept running year after year after year.
Then, last year, 10 years in the making.... it happened--CHRIS WAS BACK to running, and for the first time, he led the Chris's Fighters Relay Team to the finish line.
To many people, the photos below look simple--someone completing a race. To me and my family, the photos are HOPE & FAITH for a cure. I am someone with first hand knowledge who can sit here and say that without the fundraising efforts of the Breathe Team, year after year (& yes, I'm sure the posts/asks etc get redundant and annoying), my family's story would not be the one that it is today. It would be much more devastating. So, to all of you, THANK YOU-THANK YOU-THANK YOU- for any donation, in the past or present, no matter how small or large, for helping Chris get back on that course, and here's to the Chris's Fighters Relay Team of 2025 all being back together and led by our fearless leader, Chris!!
Description
Cystic fibrosis is a rare, genetic disease found in about 40,000 people in the U.S. causing persistent lung infections and limiting the ability to breath over time. Those living with this disease are moms, dads, sisters, brothers, daughters, sons, friends, and co-workers --all struggling each day just to breathe and live normal, healthy lives.
While there has been significant progress in treating this disease, there is still no cure and too many lives are cut far too short. By participating in the Pittsburgh Marathon on behalf of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, I run to help add tomorrows to the lives of all people living with cystic fibrosis today. Please make a difference and support me by donating to my fundraising campaign today!
Then please consider joining the team! For more information - reach out to Megan Rula - mrula@cff.org
Recent donors
| Donation date | Donor name | Donation amount |
|---|---|---|
| May 04 | Michael R. Komo | $54.10 |
| May 03 | Houck Family | $107.35 |
| May 02 | Anonymous | Undisclosed amount |
| May 02 | Pam McCluney | $54.10 |
| May 02 | Elvis | $27.48 |
| May 02 | Team Cersosimo | $49.84 |
| May 01 | Maddie Adamczyk | $27.48 |
| May 01 | Chris Kail | $27.48 |
| Apr 30 | Heather Cumer | $54.10 |
| Apr 30 | Bonnie Camblin | $27.48 |
