Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - Gateway Chapter

Ready to take the first step? Join us for the Xtreme Hike Kickoff!

-Saturday, June 13
-9:30 a.m.
-Forest Park – Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor Center

Come learn what the Xtreme Hike is all about, meet fellow hikers, and get inspired for the journey ahead. Whether you're already signed up or just curious, this is the perfect place to start!

RSVP to [email protected] and kick off something amazing!

Check out all of these amazing 65 Roses Champions! Amazing work!

You can reach the Champion status by fundraising at least $1,000. Reaching these fundraising goals makes you eligible to earn great rewards from the CF Foundation!

We are so excited for the 14th Annual Xtreme Hike season! RSVP today for our Kick Off, and come learn more about this amazing event and meet other amazing hikers! Reach out to Ali to RSVP or get more information at [email protected].

65 Roses Day (6/5) is around the corner! Are you familiar with the “65 Roses” story?

The “65 Roses” story began in 1965 when a 4-year-old, hearing the name of his disease for the first time, pronounced cystic fibrosis as “65 Roses.” Today, it’s a term many children with CF still use to describe their disease. But making the disease easier to say doesn’t make it easier to live with.

Learn how you can help accelerate our mission to cure CF by joining the 65 Roses Club: https://www.cff.org/get-involved/become-monthly-donor

Our walkers, team leaders, volunteers, and so many more make Great Strides more than just an event — it’s a movement. Alongside our Great Strides sponsors: Vertex, AbbVie, and Nestle Health Science, we can help end cystic fibrosis.

This CF Awareness Month, we’re shedding light on the unseen struggles of cystic fibrosis. Bradley Poole navigated life with CF alongside anxiety, OCD, and depression. Through treatment, mental health support, and fitness, he’s learned how to turn struggle into strength.

“I was born with cystic fibrosis, so hospitalizations, treatments, and uncertainty were part of my normal. But what people didn’t see was the mental side of that fight. The anxiety, the depression, and the constant question in the back of my mind: Why me? There was also the fear that came with it — fear of dying young, fear of not having control over my future.”

Read Bradley's story:

What CF and Mental Health Taught Me About Strength I’ve spent my life navigating cystic fibrosis alongside anxiety, OCD, and depression — struggles that once led me to numb everything with alcohol until a wake‑up call changed everything. Through treatment, mental health support, and fitness, I’ve learned how to turn struggle into strength.

WOW! We had such a wonderful Gateway Great Strides this past Saturday! The weather kept us on our toes, but you didn't let that stop you! THANK YOU to our Gateway Great Strides fighters, team leaders, participants, sponsors, and volunteers for joining us for an amazing walk with our community at Carondelet Park, raising $165,000 towards our ultimate goal of a one-time cure for EVERYONE fighting CF! 🎉

Until it’s Done!

Gateway Great Strides is STILL ON as scheduled!

A little rain can’t stop us from walking together for a cure for cystic fibrosis. Grab your rain jacket, umbrella, and your team spirit — we can’t wait to see everyone tomorrow!

📍 Check-In Begins: 9:00 AM
🚶 Walk Begins: 10:00 AM

Thank you for showing up, walking strong, and helping us move closer to a cure with every step. Let’s make it an amazing day together! 💜