“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

No one ever understands why children are afflicted with disease.  It is certainly every parent’s greatest fear.  In April of 2007, we were blessed with our fourth child, Preston.  One week later, we were told he has the genetic disease cystic fibrosis.  To be honest, we did not know anything at all about cystic fibrosis. We would soon learn all the possible effects of the disease—chronic respiratory infections, inability to digest fats and nutrients needed to survive, bone and joint problems, cf-related diabetes, liver and kidney problems, a need for feeding tubes to supplement calories, an inability to conceive children because of blocked reproductive organs, and perhaps even lung transplants.

Cystic fibrosis is a chronic disease needing constant care.  Instead of focusing on the very grim possibilities that Preston may face in the future with this disease, our family has trusted in our faith in God for more strength and courage to know that all is in His hands.  Honestly, some days that can be difficult, but we do rely on God to get us through the challenges.  We have been blessed with the most beautiful family, and we will cherish every day, no matter the circumstances we face.  We have joined efforts with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and are actively involved in fundraising efforts.  We are hopeful that a cure will be found in Preston’s lifetime, and it is up to families like ours to make that happen.  We are always looking for new ways to raise money and awareness, and welcome any new ideas that you may have.

Until a cure is found, we continue to pray that God will bless Preston with good health.  Our entire family has embraced a new, healthy lifestyle by eating organically and becoming more active.  As the old saying goes, “you are what you eat.”  It is our hope that by eliminating processed and chemically-altered foods, our bodies, and particularly Preston’s, will be as healthy as possible.  We continue to work with the Penn State Medical Center CF Clinic by administering preventative lung therapies to keep his airways clear and his lungs healthy and to ensure that he continues to gain weight and thrive.  These preventative treatments are done every day, despite what is on our busy schedule.  With four children, it is sometimes a struggle. Each treatment lasts up to 40 minutes.  When Preston comes down with a cold, these treatments are increased to 4-5 times a day.  He needs to take 10-20 pills a day before eating any meals or snacks.  These therapies can be time-consuming and difficult to perform on a very active little boy.  The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has made tremendous advances in the past ten years alone by improving the quality of life of CF patients.  However, we are not looking for more preventative treatments or more medications.  We are looking for a cure and our family is praying that you will join us in our journey.

For with God, “all things are possible….” Matthew 19:26.