PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a disease that affects so many parts of the body, especially the lungs and digestive system. It’s a genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the CFTR gene, which leads to thick, sticky mucus building up in the lungs, making it hard to breathe and prone to infections. The mucus also blocks the pancreas, causing problems with digestion and nutrition. While people with CF often show outward signs like chronic coughing or difficulty breathing, there’s a lot more happening inside that others might not see. For me, CF is not just something I read about or hear about on the news—it’s something I have watched one of my closest friends and cousin live with every day. Watching them face the daily challenges of living with CF is something that’s hard to put into words. It’s about more than just medical appointments and treatments—it’s about the emotional weight of knowing that each breath they take is a little harder than it should be. They have to constantly stay on top of their health, taking medication, doing breathing treatments, and often fighting off infections. It’s a long, tiring journey that doesn’t ever really end. CF can be isolating. It’s not something people always see on the outside, so it’s easy for others to not fully understand what someone with CF is going through. But for people like my cousin, it impacts everything—daily life, relationships, opportunities, and future plans. It’s hard to explain how something so invisible can be so all-encompassing. That’s why raising awareness about cystic fibrosis is so important to me. It’s not just about the disease itself—it’s about creating a world where people understand and support those who are dealing with it. The more people know, the more we can offer better resources, more research, and more compassion to those who need it most. For my cousin, and for everyone else living with CF, awareness means better healthcare, more research funding, and a better chance for a longer, healthier life. It’s important that the people around us understand the struggles that aren’t always visible. They may not see my cousin’s struggle to breathe or how exhausting it is to constantly manage their health, but awareness can help make sure people with CF get the help they need. Raising awareness isn’t just a way to spread information—it’s a way to spread empathy. It’s about helping others understand that CF isn’t just a disease, it’s a way of life for many, and it’s something that can only be made better through support, compassion, and action. Every bit of awareness helps someone like my cousin live a little easier, and ultimately, it’s a step toward finding a cure.