Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides - 2026

 

Great Strides 2026 was last weekend in Walnut Creek and it was glorious! The sun was shining, the sky was blue, and this is the first thing I saw as I walked up to check-in. Tara is why I walk. She is why I have raised money for CF research for 17 years.

Due to an emergency at home, I missed the opening speeches. That's historically my favorite part of the event - I love hearing from CF survivors and their family and I love hearing about all of the great research being done because of your donations.

So it was an incredible treat when the CFF Northern California director told me she had someone she wanted me to meet. She told me that one of the volunteers saw the sign of Tara and said "I knew her!" Stephanie's husband had CF and went to CF camps with Tara - he passed away in 2013, when his daughter, who was also there last week, was 3 years old. Stephanie and I shared some fun Tara stories and she is going to dig out some old pictures of Tara and send them to me. I was stressed heading to the walk - but I think this was a sign. "Everything's going to be OK."


There are a few boisterous teams that are at the walk every year and I always marvel at the energy and excitement that entire families have to be there, supporting the cause, and each other.


The walk was not quite as energetic as it has been in the past, but I soaked up the vibe of all of these positive people doing good!


And always think of Tara and her infectious positivity. Thank you to everyone that donated this year - I appreciate you!



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