Community Stories

Jo-Ann and Gordon Thow have been volunteering with Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s Durham CF Chapter since the birth of their son, Simon, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at birth after displaying some common symptoms. The Thow’s live in the Durham region of southern Ontario, where they raised their son Simon and daughters, Megan and Sarah.

Gillian Maramieri has been involved with Cystic Fibrosis Canada for 10 years and is a working mother of two boys. Her youngest, Matthew, has cystic fibrosis and was the first to be diagnosed with CF in the family. He was diagnosed at birth after Gillian’s doctors noticed an echogenic bowel 18 weeks into her pregnancy. Her first words after the diagnosis were, "Ok, now what do we need to do?"

Cameron Davis was given the ultimate opportunity. He was selected out of hundreds of athletes to carry the flag for P.E.I at the 2019 Canada Winter Games opening ceremony that took place in Red Deer, Alberta.

My name is Mia Gaudenzi and I’m 12 years old. I was born a seemingly healthy baby until around 3 years old when I became ill with pneumonia regularly. Doctors just thought I was unlucky until I had my sweat chloride tests to rule out CF.

My name is Kelly Ann Quinlan and I am 19 years old. I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at birth. My 24-year-old brother Michael also has cystic fibrosis, which is a challenge, as we both live in the same home but must live separately to a degree. We are very close to our parents and sometimes they struggle with the extra duties and constant cleaning that comes with raising two CF children.

Holly and Corey Smith along with their team of family and friends have been longtime participants of the Kinsmen Club of Sackville Curling Funspiel and the Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History. Holly also sits on the Funspiel planning committee and took time to share her story with Kinsmen Andy Robinson.

Sarah was born on July 12, 2006. At 2 months of age Sarah saw her first emergency room and admission to hospital where she received 2 blood transfusions for her low hemoglobin and was placed on antibiotics for a UTI until she was 4 years old and started to show signs of growth. This is when her mom witnessed her first SMILE & LAUGH… These are just two of the things that she is now known for today here at Ottawa Crescent Public School at 11 years old in grade 6!

Joseph is a 12-year-old boy who has Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and even while battling with the disease, he remains full of energy, hopeful and generous.

With her sparkling eyes, gentle smile and joie de vivre, Tamy often leaves others in disbelief when they find out that she has cystic fibrosis.

In life, there are meetings that have a great impact on us, that move us deeply and that force us to realize just how lucky and blessed we are to be healthy.