Great Strides Walk for a Cure! Cure Cystic Fibrosis! The Woodlands Texas Child Photographer

I did not really know what Cystic Fibrosis was until I met Hudson.  I have learned that many people do not know what it is.  Learn more about Hudson, his parents and Cystic Fibrosis.  Click here.  You may also sign up to Walk for the Great Strides Walk for a cure on May 18th.  
 

Great Strides: Taking Steps to Cure Cystic Fibrosis is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's largest national fundraising event. Tens of thousands of co-workers, friends and family come together each year as one community for one cause…to help find a cure for CF. In 2010, nearly $35.5 million was raised to support vital CF programs.

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that:
clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections; and
obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food.
In the 1950s, few children with cystic fibrosis lived to attend elementary school. Today, advances in research and medical treatments have further enhanced and extended life for children and adults with CF. Many people with the disease can now expect to live into their 30s, 40s and beyond.

Click here

Donate for Cystic Fibrosis Research! The Woodlands Texas Photographer

I had the pleasure to meet and photograph adorable Hudson!  He is just two, and just as sweet as can be.  He seems like most normal kids his age, except for that his parents are taking every precaution to avoid germs and possible infections. Unfortunately he suffers from Cystic Fibrosis.  It is an inherited disease of the secretory glands.  If you have CF, your mucus becomes thick and sticky. It builds up in your lungs and blocks your airways. The buildup of mucus makes it easy for bacteria to grow. This leads to repeated, serious lung infections. Over time, these infections can severely damage your lungs.  The thick, sticky mucus also can block tubes, or ducts, in your pancreas. As a result, the digestive enzymes that your pancreas makes can't reach your small intestine.

These enzymes help break down food. Without them, your intestines can't fully absorb fats and proteins. This can cause vitamin deficiency and malnutrition because nutrients pass through your body without being used.  The average life expectancy for a child with CF is 37 years.  The good news is that new research is finding new ways to improve lives and increase life expectancy.   You can visit Hudson's page right here and make a donation for the Walk for a Cure for Cystic Fibrosis Research.  Visit his page to learn more about Hudson and his awesome parents!