Community involvement has always been a passion of mine, especially during my college years. As Philanthropy Chairwoman of my sorority, I had the privilege of planning numerous events and fundraisers for various organizations, leading our chapter to win both national and local awards.

Earlier this year, I became involved with the CF Foundation when Miss Alabama, Abbie Stockard, and my boss, Gene Hallman, invited me to help organize The Hoover Roast-a fundraiser supporting Abbie's platform, Be the Change - Find a Cure: Cystic Fibrosis Awareness. Given my experience with other organizations, I was excited to be asked to help. The event, featuring a roast of Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis, along with silent and live auctions, was filled with fun and laughter. It was an unforgettable evening and a tremendous success, raising over $190,000 for Cystic Fibrosis. I was deeply inspired by the stories shared by two young women living with CF, and Abbie's passion for the cause was evident throughout the night. This experience not only connected me with the local CF chapter but also led to this nomination.

I am being honored by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at a special event recognizing outstanding professionals in my community. 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.

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 [http://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!