My name is Madison Kroetsch. I am 27 years old and I currently work in digital advertising as a Senior Programmatic Media Manager at Fusion92. I was honored to be recognized by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation as an outstanding young professional in my community for the 2019 Metro Detroit's Finest event and fundraising competition.

Since then, I have stayed involved with the organization as a committee member 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.

Have you ever struggled to catch your breath after a hard workout? Or a bad cough when you were sick that made it difficult to breathe? How would you manage living everyday with those conditions? This is reality for people living with CF.
 
Throughout my high school and college career I nannied a young girl with CF, named Nora. Despite her difficulties, she is the happiest, funniest little girl I've met.
 
When I first met Nora she was only 3. She is required to have 30-45 minute breathing treatments twice a day consisting of inhalers, nebulizer masks and a vibrating vest machine (which they call her “thumper”.) Nora also takes many oral medications daily and enzymes in order for her body to operate normally. She has also been hospitalized for extended periods of time often throughout her young life.
 
Her lively personality never ceases to shine, acting as if nothing is even wrong. I aspire to be as strong as Nora. I try to keep a positive outlook like Nora. Nora and her family have taught me what it means to be selfless. They demonstrate unconditional love and support for Nora. I strive to live a life like theirs. I want to make the best of every situation as they do. Nora has opened my eyes to the value of health, which I previously took for granted.
 
Nora has helped shape me into the person I am today. I've become conscious of what makes me happy; it's not the material things, it's helping others. I am a stronger, wiser person because of my relationship with Nora. Nora is such an inspiration and I am incredibly blessed to have her in my life! I am honored to give back and make a difference in the lives of others.
 
I feel very strongly that this research for curing and treating this disease is imperative so every person gets to breathe without struggling. Now it’s my turn to give back! I could really use your help to reach my goals and make a difference in the lives of people with CF so that Nora and other children can live long enough to have the opportunity to experience college, marriage and a family of their own. I hope you take the opportunity to assist me  in this endeavor. Even donating a few dollars will make a difference in helping people with CF.

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!