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We would like to share a little background information about how we have come to involve ourselves in the search for a cure for Cystic Fibrosis.

On September 26, 2007 we had our first baby. Our son, Jackson, was born at 2:56am weighing 8lbs 3oz. As part of the California newborn screening process Jackson had blood drawn when he was 1 day old. His blood work displayed abnormalities. On November 26 we were contacted and informed that Jackson was a carrier of a CF gene mutation. Needless to say Brett and I were caught off guard. Neither of us had ever really known much about CF and we certainly didn't know that we were carriers of a CF gene. Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease and in order for a child to have the disease both parents must be carriers of the CF gene.  (The genetics aspect can be a little confusing so if you would like to read a little more about the disease www.cff.org is an extremely informative website).

"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" (cff.org). 

 After being informed of Jackson's bloodwork abnormalities we were asked to bring him in for a second round of tests at the Oakland Children's Hospital so they could verify if Jackson was a carrier of the CF gene, or if he had the actual disease. On November 29 we were contacted again and informed that Jackson did in fact have the disease Cystic Fibrosis. Brett and I were devastated. Knowing very little about the disease and having no other family that had ever been affected we were confused and upset. Nevertheless we proceeded to meet with a large variety of specialists. We have learned so much in a very short time due to the medical professionals that have been so helpful. We have learned that Jackson inherited one incredibly common CF gene mutation from Brett and he inherited one incredibly rare CF gene mutation from me. The combination that Jackson carries is a bit of a genetic anomaly. There is only one other individual in the world that has ever been diagnosed with the exact same CF gene mutations. As such we really don't know what effect CF will have on Jackson's development. We do know that at this time there is no cure for CF and the 'average' life expectancy for a person with CF is 35 years. That is difficult to accept. For the time being we have an incredible team of specialists working with us. We meet bi-weekly with doctors for weight checks and Brett and I are dedicated to giving Jackson his medications and breathing treatments daily. We can only hope that our little guy will have the opportunity to enjoy a long and healthy life.

With that said, Brett and I decided that we would dedicate ourselves to the effort of finding a cure for CF. We have committed to running the Big Sur marathon and are in the thick of training with a great group of friends. It has been challenging to say the least! It is our goal to raise $100 for every mile we run. We are interested in pushing our bodies and our minds to see what we can achieve. 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!

In the four short months that we have had Jackson in our life he has changed us completely. We have a distinct purpose as his parents and we have learned what it is to love beyond anything we could have ever imagined. He is beautiful and deserves the chance to experience a long and healthy life. We would ask that you help support us in our efforts to find a cure for CF. Every dollar helps. We are truly grateful for each of you and thank you sincerely for your generosity and kindness. Here's to 26.2 miles and living our best life! 

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!