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.

I am dedicated to supporting the mission of the CF Foundation for two reasons. First, I am proud to serve as the embedded psychologist for the pediatric CF care center at Dell Children's Medical Center. As we know that the stress of living with CF can increase risk for anxiety and depression, I provide outpatient therapy services and mental health support during inpatient hospitalizations for our patients. Second, aside from my professional role at DCMC, I am personally dedicated to raising funds for the CF Foundation in honor of my childhood bestfriend, Tori, who lives with CF. I am inspired by all her resilience over the years and the incredible person, professional, and mother she has become today. I hope that these funds will foster the progress that still needs to be made in CF research to continue supporting my dear friend and all my patients for years to come.

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!