Cystic Fibrosis. If you don’t know what it is, do a little research. The first two sentences about the condition will likely be enough that you thank heavens for your next unimpeded breath of fresh air.

Thankful for the fact that you aren’t suffering from “a defective gene that causes the body to produce an abnormally thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections. The thick secretions also obstruct the pancreas, preventing digestive enzymes from reaching the intestines to help break down and absorb food” (source: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation).

Some 30,000 American children and adults suffer from the genetic disease. In North Kitsap, it has both taken some lives and given others new meaning.

For instance, take our old — or young as the case may be — friend, Brianna Oas of Poulsbo.

We know Brianna well. She’s a good kid. Fun. Smart. Quick to smile, even quicker to lend a hand.

We remember when she was turning 11. We know her positive energy and have shared it with her during the annual Great Strides Walkathon in Poulsbo. Each time she showed up, smiling and laughing as if she didn’t have a care in the world, seemed like a small miracle.

She’s 17 now: a lovely young lady with a bright but uncertain future ahead. Time has marched on and fortunately for us all, Bri has with it.

To ensure she keeps on doing so, locals and visitors will once again converge on Vinland Elementary School in Poulsbo May 7, kicking off National CF Awareness Month here in North Kitsap. The event is a great way to raise money for the CFF but it’s also an excellent way to get to know those who fight the fight day in and day out.

They, like Brianna, are all extraordinary people and we are truly fortunate to walk among them — if even for a day.