A Journey of Resilience: How Clinical Research Transformed My Son’s Life and My Career

I remember the call like it was yesterday. Our pediatrician informed us that our 10-day-old son, Wyatt, most likely had Cystic Fibrosis (CF)—a progressive genetic disease—due to two inherited genetic mutations detected in his newborn screening. In an instant, the future we had envisioned for our son changed. We had no family history of CF, and our older son, Cooper, wasn’t even a carrier.

At first, we were in shock and denial, holding onto hope that it was a mistake. The diagnosis wouldn’t be confirmed until a sweat test at the hospital. Our pediatrician advised us not to Google the disease but instead to visit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation website.

Of course, we immediately searched online. The first thing we saw was in bold writing: the median life expectancy was 40 years old—the same age as my husband at the time. We looked at each other and sobbed.

Once the sweat test confirmed the diagnosis, we shifted from grief to action. We were on a mission—to learn everything about CF, become advocates, and raise funds to improve not just Wyatt’s life expectancy but his quality of life.

The Impact of Medical Advances and Clinical Research

We were fortunate to live 35 minutes away from a CF care center and to have a strong support system of family and friends. But we quickly realized that many CF patients and caregivers don’t have the same resources.

At two weeks old, Wyatt started taking pancreatic enzymes to help his body absorb nutrients. I’ll never forget spoon-feeding applesauce to an infant just so he could take his medication. The first few months were challenging, with multiple viral infections and hospital stays. But at six months old, he became eligible for a CF modulator that targeted his specific genetic mutation.

This treatment wasn’t a cure, but it made a remarkable difference. Though he still had constant congestion and a cough, the frequency of infections decreased. Then, COVID hit, and we completely isolated ourselves in fear for Wyatt’s health.

By the time Wyatt was two years old, the FDA approved a new CF modulator that could correct both of his mutations. It was a game-changer, transforming not just Wyatt’s life but the entire CF landscape.

Finding My Purpose at Scout

I believe people come into your life for a reason. A long-time friend and former colleague posted a job opening at Scout Clinical, and something clicked.

I had spent years in life sciences sales, but Wyatt’s journey ignited my passion for clinical research. I had witnessed firsthand how innovative medicine could be life-changing. As I researched Scout, I saw how they were on a mission to eliminate participation barriers in clinical research—a cause that deeply resonated with me.

Today, I’m grateful to collaborate with sponsors and CROs, strategizing ways to make clinical trials more accessible. My experience as a CF parent has given me a unique perspective on the real-world challenges patients and caregivers face.

We are just a small piece of the puzzle, but every piece matters. And I’m honored to be part of a team working to change lives—just like clinical research changed Wyatt’s.

Anne Perdue is an experienced Business Development Specialist with a strong focus on improving quality and innovation in clinical research. As Scout’s Senior Director of Business Development, Anne is at the forefront of connecting sites, sponsors, CROs, and patients with high-quality, high-touch services that truly fit their needs.