My name is Stephen Tyson and I am glad to be honored by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at a special event here in Durham recognizing outstanding professionals in my community. 

I'm a Cystic Fibrosis patient approaching 14 years post double-lung transplant. When I was born the life expectancy was 17 years old. Despite all the medical advancements, no cure yet exists. Moreover particular patients both post transplant and those with rare genetic mutations do not benefit from Trikafta at all. 

A lung transplant does not cure CF. According to the latest ISHLT registry lung transplant survival rates are the lowest among all organ transplant groups with 54% surviving five years and only 32% surviving 10 years. The median survival is just 6.2 years. A transplant is simply changing one disease for another and in some cases adding more medical issues. The risk of Cystic Fibrosis is compounded by the day to day uncertainty of living with a lung transplant. 

Indeed in the last year alone I've had 30 appointments *not* related to Cystic Fibrosis. I take 40+ medicines daily not including enzymes. This is still a far cry from pre-transplant, however, in which I spent a total time of 7 years in the hospital. 

But given the generous support of family members, loved ones and fellow foundation participants I've lived through and benefitted from many of the therapies developed by CFF - Pulmozyme and TOBI for instance, which have made it possible for me to be here today. 

Because of these therapies and the world-renowned care received at various CF centers in addition to my current lung transplant center here at Duke just this past year alone I've cycled 5,000 miles and climbed 160,000 feet, flown 64 times to 11 countries, and recorded my highest breathing test results ever. 

In accepting this distinction, I have committed to raise money to help the Foundation realize its mission of curing cystic fibrosis (CF) and providing all people with CF the opportunity to lead long, fulfilling lives.

If we stopped at Pulmozyne, TOBI, fundraising, new genetic therapies, the events, and the ask for support 20 years ago I would not be here. Our goal then is to ensure that 20 years from now another a 41 year old CF patient will be asking for your support saying they are glad we didn't stop at Trikafta. 

Please help me meet my fundraising goal by making a donation. By supporting my fundraising efforts, you have an opportunity in your lifetime to be part of ending this disease. Please consider joining us and help make medical history.

Nearly 40,000 people in the United States have cystic fibrosis: a progressive, genetic disease that affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. Sixty years ago, children with CF usually did not live long enough to attend elementary school. Today, because of Foundation-supported research and care, the median survival age of people with CF is over 50. Working alongside the CF community, the CF Foundation has fostered the development of more than a dozen CF treatments and helped add decades of life for people with CF. Yet, many people with CF do not benefit from existing therapies. Our vision is a cure for every person with cystic fibrosis – a life free from the burden of this disease – and we will not leave anyone behind.

To learn more about CF and the CF Foundation, visit www.cff.org. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those with cystic fibrosis. Thank you for supporting the mission of the CF Foundation!