Olivia’s Bright Spring: A Cystic Fibrosis Story of Hope, Healing, and Easter Giving
This season has been one we’ll never forget. It’s been full of growth, gratitude, and a few full-circle moments that we’re still catching our breath from. As a family walking through cystic fibrosis every day, we’re so grateful for the moments that make us stop and smile—and this spring gave us plenty.
Donating Joy: 262 Eggs to Children’s Mercy
This week, Olivia and I delivered 262 Easter eggs to Children’s Mercy—a record donation for our family’s Salty Jeans Egg Drop fundraiser. Our first year, we donated 95 eggs. Last year, it was 150. And this year, the bags overflowed so much we had to switch to bigger ones! 💜
What made this year extra special was having Olivia by my side for the delivery. Not only did she help pack and carry the eggs into the hospital, she also became an official Junior Champion for Children’s Mercy. She earned a keychain with special charms for her donation, for being a patient, for the spring season, and for spreading toy-filled joy to kids who spent Easter in the hospital.
She was so proud—and I was beaming with pride right beside her. This milestone reminded us why we do what we do.
CF Clinic Wins: A New Chapter
The same day as our egg delivery, Olivia also had her quarterly CF visit. If you’ve followed our journey, you know that clinic days are tough for her. She’s dealt with procedural anxiety for years, and things like labs and throat swabs have always been overwhelming.
Back in 2022, she began taking her first modulator, Trikafta. While it helps many people with CF, Olivia experienced side effects that took a real toll on her mental health. We spent years titrating doses, trying breaks, and reassessing. It was an exhausting and uncertain time.
Then, in late 2024, everything changed. A new modulator called Aleftrek became available. Olivia was approved and started taking it, and the difference has been night and day.
At this week’s visit, her lung function was phenomenal. Her team was able to scale back some daily treatments—a huge step toward giving her a more typical childhood. And best of all? When it came time for labs, Olivia did it herself. No holding down, no tears, no delays. It took 15 minutes, compared to the hour it took last time. That strength and courage? That’s what hope looks like.
Super Salty Hiding Squad: Spreading the Magic
On Saturday, we gathered with our amazing Super Salty Hiding Squad to celebrate the work we’d done and the joy still to come. Each year, this crew gets together for dinner the night before Easter, then heads out under the stars to hide eggs in yards across Kansas City.
This year, we had two new members join the team and missed one of our longtime hiders who was out of town. But the energy and heart remained the same. Together, we packed up over 850 eggs—the same amazing volume we’ve reached each year—and delivered magic to dozens of families who woke up to laughter, wonder, and a yard full of surprises.
💜 The Bigger Picture: A Fundraiser Fueled by Love
The Salty Jeans Egg Drop has grown into something bigger than we ever imagined. Families can choose to purchase eggs to be hidden in their own yards—or donate eggs to children spending Easter in the hospital. This year, thanks to your support, we reached over 850 eggs total, with 262 donated to Children’s Mercy.
Each purchase fuels CF research and care efforts through the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Medicines like Aleftrek exist because of the research and trials made possible by fundraising efforts like ours.
This spring reminded us why we keep going. Why we keep showing up. Why Olivia’s journey is so deeply tied to the generosity of this community.
We’re incredibly grateful. And we’re hopeful for what’s next.
