Danny was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis a little over 10 years ago. Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease affecting the lungs and digestive system. The disease causes abnormally thick mucus, which results in frequent life threatening respiratory infections and continued hospitalizations. The disease attacks the lungs scarring them each time with different bacteria that the body creates, and the scarring is permanent. There is no reversal of the effects.

Although Daniel has an amazing way of adapting to difficult situations, his daily routine, which includes hours of aerosol treatments, chest physiotherapy, and taking many different medicines, does take a toll on him. As he gets older, he is realizing that his life is different from other children around him. He does complain sometimes about why he has to take time out to do his treatments, especially when we are out camping, or when he is outside playing with his friends. Although he may complain, he always does it and accepts it.

Through it all Danny has been running. Competing with his school’s cross-country team and entering local 5Ks with family friends. The photographs Danny’s father would take at the 5ks were soon posted on a Facebook page called “Running With Danny”. Those friends and that page eventually led to the 5k series.

Danny faces challenges head on. We invite you to paticipate in Danny’s upcoming series of 5Ks and run with a true champion. This young man has something to teach us all!