I am being honored by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at a special event recognizing outstanding professionals in my community. My personal journey with the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) community has been throughout my nursing career. In my first experiences as a nurse, I cared for young adult CF patients in the in-patient setting. Later, I had the priviledge of spending years in the unique role of Newborn Screening Coordinator at Arkansas Children's Hospital as the liaison between the Arkansas Department of Health, Arkansas Children's Hospital, and all pediatricians throughout Arkansas and surrounding areas. This role was crucial as the first point of contact for infants diagnosed with CF through the state's newborn screening process in conjunction with Arkansas' only CF center at Arkansas Children's Hospital. This role holds a special place in my heart and career. Today, I continue my journey working as a part of the Arkansas Children's Research Institute where we help further improvements in the care and treatment for CF patients.

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