At the age of 16 months old, Blake was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), which is a genetic, chronic disease that affects the respiratory and GI system. Only about 30,000 Americans are currently diagnosed for Cystic Fibrosis. Blake has also been diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes (CFRD) as of 2013. Many hospitalizations have occurred due to complications related to Dystal Intestinal Obstruction Syndrome (DIOS).
Celebrated For:
Blake is a “take charge” type person, and handles his own medication, gives himself his necessary insulin shots, and even changes his own feeding tube so he can stay healthy and fight off infections.
He excels academically and exceeds all expectations! He is an avid reader, and maintains straight A’s in school despite being absent from school for weeks at a time due to illnesses or hospitalizations.
In being aware of his life expectancy (which is only 41 years of age for someone with CF), Blake doesn’t accept this limitation on life, so he and his family volunteer with many fundraisers as well as the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to help raise money to find a cure. Blake helps his family with their yearly lemonade stand to raise money for CF, performs in variety shows, singing and dancing to raise money for other charities related to cancer and Spina Bifida, participates in a yearly diabetes walk, and the yearly Jump Rope for Heart!
This superstar is a cub scout whose favorite sport is baseball. He also plays basketball, loves to ride his bike, and he recently started running with his mom. His little CF lungs do not hold him back!
“If you met Blake, you would NEVER know he has so many medical issues. He is an amazing young man and is very brave as he learns to live with his illnesses. He works hard to help other children who are sick despite his own challenges. Blake may have CF, but CF does not have Blake! He truly is a Superstar!!”