Racing Toward a Cure: Meet the 2025 #TeamEE Runners Fueling CF Breakthroughs
In just a few days—on November 22 and 23, 2025—our inspiring #TeamEE runners will take on the Philadelphia Marathon in honor of Emily’s Entourage (EE), each bringing a deeply personal reason to the starting line.
Some are running in honor of loved ones with cystic fibrosis (CF), others are carrying the memory of those they’ve lost.
Some are fueled by gratitude for their own health, while others are driven by a newfound understanding of how urgently the final 10% of the CF community still need treatment options.
Together, they channel their strength, passion, and purpose into every mile. Whether they draw motivation from gratitude mantras, worship music, or the sheer privilege of being able to move their bodies, all share one goal: to help accelerate breakthroughs for those with CF who are still waiting for their breakthrough.
Today, we’re honored to introduce you to a few of these remarkable runners whose determination reminds us why every mile—and every dollar raised—matters.
Amanda Foskett
Hometown: Washington, DC
Day Job: Veterinary Oncologist
Race Background:
I’ve run the full Philadelphia marathon once and the half marathon 5 or 6 times.
What Keeps Me Motivated on Long Runs and Tough Training Days:
Knowing that it will all be worth it on race day running for the best cause!
Why I’m Running for EE:
Emily is a dear friend from high school. I’m running this race for her and those with rare CF mutations. Really hoping this is the year we get the big breakthrough!
Favorite Training Ritual, Song, Playlist or Mantra that Helps Push You Through?
Any music with a good beat: from rap to EDM to musicals (!)
If You Could Share One Message with the CF Community or Fellow Runners, What Would It Be?
Having known Emily and her family for more than 20 years, it’s been incredible to see EE grow into the massive force it is today. They are all charisma and grit. It’s amazing to see the research and discoveries funded directly by EE that have come to fruition. Running for this group is an easy decision knowing all the money raised will go right into achieving the end-goal of finding breakthroughs and a cure for the final 10%.
>>> Support Amanda’s campaign here.
Katie Stairiker
Hometown: Sanatoga, PA
Day Job: Registered Dietitian
Race Background:
While I haven’t participated in the Philly Marathon before, I’ve run the Broad Street Run multiple times and completed the Reading Road Run Half Marathon.
What Keeps Me Motivated on Long Runs and Tough Training Days:
I stay motivated on long runs or challenging training days by reminding myself what a privilege it is to be out in the fresh air and that my body allows me to keep moving.
Why I’m Running for EE:
My inspiration comes from my two cousins, Joey and Mikey who have CF. Mikey unfortunately passed away about six years ago and he had the most contagious personality and laugh. I know that he would be cheering me on for this event. He wasn’t just my cousin, but also one of my best friends, and I truly cherish the memories that we shared.
Favorite Training Ritual, Song, Playlist or Mantra that Helps Push You Through?
My favorite mantra comes from my favorite Peloton instructor, Jess Sims, who says “You get to.” It’s a powerful reminder to approach every workout with gratitude for what my body can do—and nothing boosts that feeling more than a great, high energy playlist.
If You Could Share One Message with the CF Community or Fellow Runners, What Would It Be?
To my fellow runners: run with gratitude. For the ability to move, breath, and make a difference. Supporting the CF community means helping fund critical research and giving hope to those who face challenges far greater than a tough training day.
>>> Support Katie’s campaign here.
Michael Andreaggi
Hometown: North Caldwell, NJ
Day Job: Self Employed Business owner of a Relocation Company
Race Background:
I ran the Philadelphia Marathon 26 years ago in 1999 in 3 hrs 40 minutes. I’m turning 68 the day before the Philadelphia Marathon on November 22, 2025. My prayer is to do this Marathon in 4.5 hours.
What Keeps Me Motivated on Long Runs and Tough Training Days:
I’m very appreciative of my physical and mental health, and realized that I really wanted to test my mental fortitude to do this marathon after recovering from Bell’s Palsy this past March 2025. I try to live in the moment with tunnel vision, and look towards the scenery around me: trees, clouds, sky, the heavens, and so on. I play all kinds of Christian worship music that reminds me that my task isn’t nearly as hard as what others are going through, like the 10% of people with CF that are praying for a lifesaving breakthrough and a cure.
Why I’m Running for EE:
I don’t have any personal connections to CF, just that others will help support a cause that none of us can really relate to, because we have healthy bodies that we take for granted. I pray that money will be raised for research so that no one has to continue suffering from this horrible disease.
Favorite Training Ritual, Song, Playlist or Mantra that Helps Push You Through?
My top two recordings that inspire me to keep training are our “Father’s Love Letter” and Phil Wickman’s “Our God is an Awesome God”.
If You Could Share One Message with the CF Community or Fellow Runners, What Would It Be?
Life is not easy in general, but a tenacious attitude of never giving up is essential for breakthroughs for those afflicted with this disease, and their extended families and friends. God Bless you all, and I’m proud to be running for every one of you.
>>> Support Michael’s campaign here.
Doug Abbott
Hometown: Washington, DC
Day Job: Program manager at a sustainability nonprofit
What Keeps Me Motivated on Long Runs and Tough Training Days:
The last six miles of my first marathon were the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I hit the wall hard just after the 20-mile mark and it suddenly felt like someone attached a 50-pound weight to each of my legs. On tough days in my training for Philly, I think about those last six miles and how every bit of training I do now will make them a little easier than last time (hopefully!).
Why I’m Running for EE:
Earlier this year, I knew next to nothing about CF. I’d heard of it here and there, but didn’t know how it affects people, the challenges faced by those affected, or even that it’s a fatal disease for those without treatment options. That all changed over the summer when I learned about EE and its vital work. After doing some reading on the website and finding out more about the disease, I saw that EE sponsors runners for the Philly Marathon and decided to use my hobby to support an excellent—and pressing—cause.
Favorite Training Ritual, Song, Playlist or Mantra that Helps Push You Through?
I think my favorite training ritual is not having one at all. I do different types of runs (tempo, slow, intervals, hills, etc.), listen to different things (music, books, or nothing at all), and try different routes as often as I can to try to keep things from getting stale. Variety keeps running fun for me.
If You Could Share One Message with the CF Community or Fellow Runners, What Would It Be?
I’m running for progress, for better treatments, and for everyone who shows up for the CF community every day. Thank you for letting me be a small part of it.
>>> Support Doug’s campaign here.
If you’re inspired by the heart and purpose behind these runners, you can help amplify their impact by supporting their fundraising efforts.
Every contribution powers lifesaving research and brings us closer to lifesaving breakthroughs for the final 10% of people with CF still waiting for their breakthrough. Let’s cheer on #TeamEE as they race toward the finish line—and toward a future filled with hope.
To donate to all of #TeamEE or support an individual runner of your choosing, click here.
