We decided to cook for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Great Strides because of Kayla. Kayla has been a member of the Tony Chachere’s family for a few years now as the head of housekeeping. When I came to work for the company, Kayla and I became fast friends. After a few months of knowing Kayla she shared with me the story of her son, Christopher. Christopher was born July 24, 1989 and fought every day of his 5 months on this earth as the doctors searched for a diagnosis and cure for ailed the precious little boy. It is only after this death that he was diagnosed with CF.
Christopher
While cooking for Great Strides, Kayla and I were able to spend time with a wonderful little boy named Anthony. Anthony is 2 1/2 years old and was diagnosed with CF in infancy. He is a very short boy for 2 1/2 but that is one of the symptoms of CF and his body not being able to digest what he eats without the help of enzymes. He was like any other 2 year old in some ways; full of energy, sweet as can be, and even said “cheese” to take a picture with us. According to his grandmother, Denise, Anthony is continually surprising his doctors and they are learning so much about CF from his case.
Anthony
Christopher, Anthony, and many babies like them have helped with the research on CF and how to treat it. CF is a genetic disorder where thick mucus is found in the lungs and digestive tract. This disease is fatal with a maximum life expectancy of 37.2 years (an improvement over years past). Children and young adults with CF have delayed growth, belly pain from severe constipation, and recurring pneumonia as just a few of the symptoms. their daily life includes inhaled medicines to open their airways, enzymes to help with digestion, and chest percussions and drainage up to 4 times a day. This is not the life you think of for a young child.
Kayla, Anthony and Samantha
Great Strides is a fundraiser put on by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in an effort to educate and raise money for CF research. The event is a 6.2 mile walk (so that you can feel what CF child’s every breath is like) followed by children’s activites, food and festivities. It was a great crowd for a great cause and we hope to be invited back next year.
Samantha Moreau
Sales & Marketing Assistant
