Illinois-based Cystic Fibrosis charity.
Jey's Journey FOR A CURE
Raising funds and awareness, until CF stands for CURE FOUND.
Discover upcoming opportunities to meet the family, hear Jey’s story, and contribute to vital research. Every ticket sold brings us one step closer to a breakthrough.
We are immensely grateful to the local businesses and individuals who have already pledged their support for 2026. This wall of honor recognizes the community leaders who are championing Jey’s future. Explore our current partners and see the impact of their generosity.
Partner with us to make a lasting difference. We offer various sponsorship tiers designed for both individuals and business partners. By sponsoring Jey's Journey, you receive community visibility and the knowledge that 100% of proceeds go directly toward finding a cure.
Welcome all
Turning Hope into Action
For Cystic Fibrosis
We're just getting started—will you join us?
Jey's Journey For A Cure is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that we have started to help raise awareness and funds for Cystic Fibrosis research and to help families affected in need. This charity means so much to us, as we have recently welcomed our second son, Baker, who was diagnosed with CF. While this wasn't the path we had imagined, we are choosing to meet it with everything we have!
We are just getting started and would love for you to be a part of it! Please hit 'SHARE' to help us reach as many people as possible, it only takes one second but could make a massive impact!
-The Ray Family
We are pending the final IRS approval for the 501(c)(3) status. The IRS made us aware as long as we inform and are transparent that we are still awaiting final approval, we can act and operate as such until finalized.
Inspired by our newest addition, Jey, we are dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the Cystic Fibrosis community. Join us in our mission to turn breath into hope.
Our Addition
Meet Baker
He was born on February 19th and has already filled our hearts in ways we never expected.
At our 20 week anatomy scan, concerns about Baker potentially having Cystic Fibrosis arose. We had many follow up appointments to monitor what was being seen and at 26 weeks we were referred for an amniocentesis. Weighing the risks of the procedure for mom and baby, we opted for a blood test that resulted in being 96.6% positive for CF.
Once Baker arrived, he struggled to maintain and gain weight resulting in over 2 dozen appointments in the first two weeks. By 3 weeks old, it was confirmed he was pancreatic insufficient and started taking 8-10 pills daily for his body to be able to absorb the nutrients he needed to grow. At 5 weeks old, he was admitted to the PICU for respiratory issues due to the thick mucus not allowing him to breathe properly after catching the common cold. At 2 months old, he is still taking 8-10 pills daily which will only increase with his age and weight. This is a medication he will need to be on for the rest of his life. Without this medication, his body cannot break down or absorb nutrients in the foods he eats which can lead to immediate and painful digestive issues, as well as long term health issues such as malnutrition, obstructions in the intestines, bone disease, infertility, and faster decline in lung function.
In the past couple decades, life expectancy for those with CF has significantly increased and although Baker cannot start some certain medications until he is 2, we are VERY hopeful for the future!!
Forever in our Hearts
💜
07.19.1991 - 12.17.2000
The name 'Jey' is both of our sons' middle name. Pronounced like the letter; spelled J • E • Y.
In honor of their late uncle, Jordan Eugene.
Jordan is Jacob's older brother, whose favorite job was being a big brother.
What is Cystic Fibrosis?
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a rare, genetic disease that turns the body’s natural secretions—which should be thin and slippery—into a thick, sticky mucus. This thick mucus primarily affects the lungs and digestive system by clogging them. It is caused by a mutation in a protein that regulates the movement of salt and water in and out of cells.
Symptoms can vary from person to person depending on the severity of the condition and organs involved. These symptoms include :
Poor growth or weight gain
Salty tasting skin
Persistent coughing
Frequent lung infections
Sinus infections
Wheezing or shortness of breath
Greasy, bulky stools
Abdominal bleeding
Male infertility
How it Impacts the Body
The Lungs: The thick mucus clogs the airways, making it difficult to breathe and trapping bacteria that lead to frequent, dangerous infections.
The Digestive System: Mucus blocks the release of digestive enzymes in the pancreas. Without these, the body cannot properly break down food or absorb the nutrients needed to grow and stay healthy.
Why We Fight
When the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation was started, children with CF rarely lived long enough to attend elementary school. Today, because of donors and sponsors like you, many people with CF are living into their 30s, 40s, and beyond.
Our Mission
Raising funds and awareness, until CF stands for CURE FOUND. While medical advancements have turned CF from a childhood disease into a manageable adult condition for many, there is still no cure. Jey represents a new generation—one that we hope will be the first to see a world where this disease no longer limits a person's potential.
Your support funds the research into gene therapy and advanced medications that treat the root cause of the disease, not just the symptoms.
To learn more, please visit CFF.org
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does my donation go?
We are committed to total transparency. 100% of the proceeds from our events and sponsorships are donated directly to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (or your chosen CF research organization) to fund life-saving research and drug development. Our goal is to ensure that every dollar works toward a future where CF stands for "Cure Found."
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. Since we partner with [Insert Name of 501(c)(3) Partner, e.g., The CF Foundation], all donations made through our official portals are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. You will receive a formal receipt for your records via email immediately following your contribution.
How can my business benefit from a sponsorship?
Sponsoring Jey’s Journey is a powerful way to show your community involvement. Depending on your sponsorship tier, your business will receive logo placement on our event apparel, mentions in our social media campaigns, and prominent featuring on our website’s "2026 Sponsors" wall. It’s a chance to align your brand with a cause that is fighting for the health of our community’s children.
Can I donate in honor of someone other than Jey?
Absolutely. While Jey is our primary inspiration, we know CF affects many families. When you donate, there is an option to include a "Tribute" message. We would be honored to recognize your loved one on our community tribute page.
I can’t donate money right now—how else can I help?
-Awareness is just as vital as funding! you can support us by:
Sharing Jey’s story on social media.
-Volunteering your time at one of our upcoming Charity Events.
-Inquiring if your employer has a "Matching Gift" program that could double the impact of smaller donations.
© Copyright 2026 Jey's Journey for a Cure.
A family-led initiative supporting Cystic Fibrosis research.All rights reserved.