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Our Cystic Fibrosis Journey

Kade Hammes headshot and daughter Mila Coralville, IA Storybook Financial

Mila and Kade Hammes

Crossing finsih des moines marathon

Inspired by Strength: Our Journey with Cystic Fibrosis

Kade Hammes, the founder of Storybook Financial, had always harbored a dream of establishing his own financial planning firm. However, the safety of a secure job kept deferring his ambitions - a dream perpetually set "five years" into the future. This changed in the summer of 2019.

On April 5th, 2019, Kade's life took an unexpected turn when his daughter Mila was born with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), a rare, life-limiting genetic disease. CF affects roughly 30,000 Americans, gradually reducing their ability to breathe and severely shortening their lifespans.

Navigating this new reality, Kade and his wife, Karen, found themselves part of a community of parents who shoulder the burden of watching their children battle constant health challenges. Their perspective on life shifted dramatically, with a new appreciation for every precious moment and a profound awareness of life's fragility.

Adapting to the constraints of CF, Kade recalibrated his dreams and plans. The family shifted focus from traditional camping and canoeing adventures to hiking and biking. They traded annual lake trips for a mission to explore the world together. In 2021, Kade ran a marathon in Mila's honor, his determination fueled by his daughter's strength and resilience, symbolized by Mila joining him as he crossed the finish line.

In an ironic twist of fate, Mila belongs to the last 10% of CF patients who can't benefit from the newly developed 'miracle' modulator drugs. But far from being discouraged, Kade and Karen are more determined than ever. As a family, and through Storybook Financial, they're committed to fighting until 'CF' signifies 'Cure Found.'

Mila's CF diagnosis became a catalyst for Kade, inspiring him to take the leap and establish Storybook Financial. It's a testament to their family's resolve to live life fully, regardless of the circumstances, and to make a meaningful difference in the world.


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