Where there’s a walk, there’s a finish line: Closing in on a cure for cystic fibrosis

Forty thousand. That’s the number of Americans currently diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that causes mucus to become thick and sticky, leading to blockages, damage, and infections in the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. Historically, cystic fibrosis was a fatal childhood disease and survival rates and quality of life have significantly improved. But we still don’t have a cure.

Our dedication to the cause hits close to home. At just three months old, Emily Snellings, the daughter of Lori and Clay Snellings, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. She turned 27 this year, just three years shy of the life expectancy she was given at birth. Today, that life expectancy has increased to over 50 years of age, a testament to the power of community in raising both awareness and funding for healthcare. Emily’s optimism and determination inspire our ongoing efforts to find a cure.

To get us closer to the finish line, the Atlanta insurance community—led by Snellings Walters—established Insure the Cure in 2011. This initiative is a national chapter of the Great Strides fundraiser organized by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Since its inception, Insure the Cure has raised over $3.3 million to fuel the mission of the foundation—including an impressive $417,710 raised this year alone!

Most recently, our very own Lori and Clay Snellings won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Georgia Chapter 2024 Annual Meeting of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for their tireless contributions to the cause.

Every step brings us closer as we continue on our journey. Learn more about our fight for a CF cure by clicking cause on our home page. Together, we will reach the finish line.