IST's History with Blake
IST's Gives Back
For the last 12 years, IST Management has been actively supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) through its annual Great Strides fundraiser. Cystic Fibrosis (CF), a genetic disease, gradually causes persistent lung infections and restricts breathing ability.
CFF plays a vital role in funding the necessary research to develop medications and therapies and, soon, find a cure. Through this organization, we stride for IST’s ambassador, 16-year-old Blake, and those living with CF.
Thanks to the efforts of committed scientists and organizations willing to bear the high costs, medications like Trikafta have become available for CF Fighters like Blake. Access to this medicine has significantly reduced his coughing symptoms, making a sizable difference in his health.
Blake enjoys a fulfilling life and is a dedicated student, a loving brother, a cherished son, and a loyal friend. IST Gives Back interviews our Ambassador below, looking into his experience with IST and living with Cystic Fibrosis.
What are your favorite activities or hobbies?
I love detailing cars, laughing with friends, going to the beach, and playing tennis!
In your own words, can you explain what it means for an individual to have Cystic Fibrosis?
For someone to have Cystic Fibrosis, it doesn't define them. It just means you have more challenges than the average person.
How did spending so much of your childhood in a hospital or doctor's office impact you?
Spending so much time in a hospital and the doctor's office has shown me that Cystic Fibrosis isn't a joke and needs to be taken seriously. I need to take care of myself.
How does having Cystic Fibrosis affect how you live your everyday life? Who or what helps you live life to the fullest?
Having Cystic Fibrosis affects me in multiple ways. For example, there are some things that I become insecure about when going on school trips without my family, like doing my best to remember all the medicine and treatments that need to be done during the day and at night.
What advice would you give to a newly diagnosed child with Cystic Fibrosis or another chronic illness?
My advice to give to a newly diagnosed child and family is to just take one step at a time, one day at a time. Keep the future in mind, but don't worry about it. Do the best you can today.
What is the best part of being connected to IST Management & Great Strides over the years?
The best part of participating in Great Strides is knowing that there are other people with the same challenges as me. I'm not alone. Being connected with IST shows me that I have people fighting by my side, not just my family. I'm not alone!
IST Management is a proud sponsor of The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. We are grateful to watch the CF community grow and do what we can to support the search for a cure. Being able to know inspiring individuals like Blake reminds us of our community's goodness. It is that power that helped IST's Great Strides teams collectively raise over $20,000 this year. We thank Blake for sharing his story and inspiring us each year.
To learn more about the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or connect to a local chapter, visit the CFF's website,
here!
Contact Info
IST Management Services, Inc.
1341 Moreland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316