Meet the cystic fibrosis families

Gurwell family

The Gurwell family includes Jessica, Noland, twins Mira and Grayson, and Grant, the youngest child by 21 months. Grant was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when he was 10 days old.

Grant is a silly boy, who loves trains, trucks, and his dog Max. The family would love to chat about cystic fibrosis and lend an ear to those in need.

Denison and Van Gorp family

Chris Denison and Stacy Van Gorp are parents to twins Maren and Berne, who both have cystic fibrosis.

The twins had a difficult start, being born prematurely due to meconium ileus. Both children also have struggled with weight gain and bowel obstructions. The twins work hard every day to keep their lungs clear so they are ready for any new treatments.

Maren loves soccer, piano, and Lego League while Berne can be found playing hockey, soccer, and his Xbox. Consequently, Chris and Stacy love driving to soccer practice, coaching Lego League, and doing a lot of laundry!

With the support of Tim Starner, MD, Chris and Stacy helped launch the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital Cystic Fibrosis Family Advisory Board. They also serve on the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital Family Advisory Council and are active in fundraising.

Chris and Stacy enjoy speaking with other families interested in supporting one another, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

Ruff family

The Ruff family includes Adam, Sara, Brenna, and Brielle. Both Brenna and Brielle have cystic fibrosis, although that doesn’t slow them down.

Brenna is involved with gymnastics, soccer, and ballet class while Brielle loves to read books, be outside, and play with her baby dolls as much as possible.

Cystic fibrosis is a big part of their lives, but they don’t let that run their lives.

Larson family

The Larson family includes Jacob, Amber, Luke, and Brynn. Luke, who has cystic fibrosis, was diagnosed with a double copy of the delta F508 gene.

Luke started his cystic fibrosis journey in Ann Arbor, Mich. After several years, they decided to move back to Iowa to be closer to family and found a great care team at UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

Luke enjoys videos games, especially Minecraft, the weather, and playing with his buddies. Jake works from home as a research toxicologist and enjoys playing pool. Amber, a nurse for 15 years, is currently working at a hospital in Cedar Rapids.

Jacob and Amber are members of the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital Family Advisory Council and actively participate in local events.