By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News
On Friday, April 3, more than a hundred children and their families gathered in Tulalip for Dan and Kelsie Pablo’s final cystic fibrosis event, held in honor of their son, Keldan. The gathering marked the close of a meaningful chapter that included events such as the Walk for CF, drive-in movie nights, car washes, and Easter egg hunts. More than anything, it was a celebration of community, bringing people together to create lasting memories for the kids while raising awareness for a cause close to home.
Over the years, the Pablo family has raised thousands of dollars for cystic fibrosis research and awareness, with $1,600 raised from this year’s event alone. But for them, the impact goes far beyond the numbers.
“Every single dollar has meant something to us, not just as a number, but as hope for better treatments and, one day, a cure,” Kelsie explained. “They [fundraisers] became a way to bring people together, to educate, to support our son, and to remind us that we’re not in this fight alone. Seeing kids laugh, families come out, and the community stand behind something so personal to us is something we’ll never take for granted.”
Event attendee, tribal member Aria Comenote, responded with a cheerful “Yes,” when asked if she enjoyed the day, adding that her favorite parts were finding eggs and taking pictures.
After 18 years of organizing events in Tulalip, the family is now facing a transition, as this marks the last kid-focused CF Foundation event in the community for the time being.
“It’s honestly a mix of emotions,” Kelsie said. “There’s pride in what we’ve been able to do and gratitude for every single person who showed up, donated, volunteered, or helped in any way.”
At the same time, there is a sense of loss as a long-standing tradition comes to a pause.
“These events became a tradition for so many kids and families in the community. Knowing this chapter is closing, even temporarily, is emotional,” Kelsie added. “But we understand that change is part of growth. The fight against cystic fibrosis is evolving, and so are the ways we show up for it.”
Even with that shift, their commitment remains unchanged.
“This cause is personal—it’s our son, it’s our family, it’s our life,” Kelsie said. “We’ll continue to find ways to support, raise awareness, and stay involved. This isn’t the end for us, it’s just a shift.”
Kelsie also emphasized the broader impact cystic fibrosis has on families and the importance of community support.
“Cystic fibrosis affects not just the person diagnosed, but the entire family. Events like this bring awareness while also creating moments of joy and connection,” Kelsie said. “We’re incredibly thankful to everyone who has supported us over the years. It truly takes a community.”
For Keldan, those events have meant just as much on a personal level.
“It has meant a lot to me to have these events in Tulalip because this is my home, and nothing makes me feel better than having support from my own community,” he shared. “It’s shown me how strong and impactful our community can be when we all come together. I’m forever grateful; nothing compares to being supported and encouraged by a whole community and family.”