Support for Killian's Cystic Fibrosis Treatment

Hello, my name is Briana and my 8-month-old son, Killian, has cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic, life-shortening disease that devastates the lungs, pancreas, and other vital organs. CF makes it difficult to breathe and fight life-threatening infections, often leading to extensive lung damage and respiratory failure. There is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis, and too many people with CF die young. Every person born with cystic fibrosis is on a unique journey and experiences this challenging disease differently. While progress has been made, a long road lies ahead for far too many people fighting this terrible disease. We need a cure so that everyone with CF has a better chance to live a long, healthy life.

Killian hasn't had the easiest life for being so young, but he is a fighter. Being a parent to a child with a disease isn't something any parent anticipates. Having to go through doctor appointments, hearing your child is considered "failure to thrive," and having unthinkable conversations about life expectancy, quality of life, possibilities of infertility, and the things they can and cannot do is not something you come prepared for. But through it all, Killian has been the happiest and most perfect baby we could have ever asked for.

Part of Killian's daily medications and treatments is a breathing treatment that helps break up the mucus stuck on his lungs. We weren't expecting Killian to qualify for this vest that he could wear, which helps with breaking up the mucus faster, until he was closer to being 1 year old. They have recently lowered the chest size requirement, and he now has been able to receive this life-changing vest. We luckily received this vest at the perfect time that our son was fighting off yet another infection. It has improved his quality of breathing but also the time that it takes to get over this infection. We are very fortunate to have our insurance cover part of the cost for this very expensive vest, but it was a cost we thought we had more time to save for.

Thank you to everyone that is able to help us with our son's journey, but also for helping us raise awareness for this disease.

- Briana, Chad, & Killian