Hello friends!
When I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis in 1983 I was 18 months old. My parents were given the prognosis that I probably wouldn't live long enough to graduate from high school. This is not the news any parent wants to hear about their child, but thankfully they didn’t allow my life to be any different than my two older brothers. Thanks to them, my CF team, my brothers, family, and friends, I had a very awesome childhood.
After years of declining health in my teens and 20's, my future was uncertain. Multiple hospital stays a year to treat lung infections and declining lung function had me and my family worried. In my mid 20's I was determined to change the course of my life. I got more serious about doing all of my CF treatments, and I started to run, bike, and live an overall healthier life. Because I was a couch-potato and had 50% lung function at the time, this was not easy, but I did it!
In combination with the groundbreaking treatment, Kalydeco, that I started over 10 years ago in a clinical trial, I am proud to say that I have never been healthier than I am today. On February 21 I am turning 40 years old!!
To celebrate this milestone that I never dreamed possible, I have a goal of raising $40,000 for the Rock CF Foundation. In 2007 I founded the Rock CF Foundation to empower others living with cystic fibrosis and heighten public awareness about CF. 2022 is going to be the BIGGEST year yet for Rock CF, and it is not ironic that it's happening alongside this huge milestone of turning 40!
Please consider making a $40 donation to help Rock CF add more miles, smiles, dreams and birthdays for the CF community!
To celebrate my birthday we are also selling a special edition Rock CF shirt. You can pick yours up here ! Thank you for your continued support throughout my life and journey.
Rock CF,
Emily Schaller