I am so excited and incredibly honored to have been selected as a Capital City’s Finest Honoree for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation! While this recognition highlights professionals in our community, what means the most to me is the opportunity to help raise awareness and critical funds for individuals and families affected by cystic fibrosis.
 

What makes this journey even more meaningful is getting to do it alongside one of my good friends, who is also the momma of a CF fighter. In May, we officially kicked off our fundraising campaign and had the opportunity to meet local families whose lives have been impacted by cystic fibrosis. Hearing one father share his daughter’s journey and everything their family has endured brought me to tears. In that moment, I thought about my own dad and how difficult it was for me as a child to watch a parent fight for his life. My heart broke knowing that so many families have had to watch their children fight for theirs.
 

As a school counselor, children are at the center of my heart every single day. When I learned that decades ago many children with cystic fibrosis did not live long enough to attend elementary school, I could not stop thinking about that reality. I think about the students I see every day — laughing with friends, learning, growing, and dreaming about their futures — and how every child deserves the opportunity to experience those moments.
 

Because of the research and advancements funded by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, tremendous progress has been made. Today, children born with cystic fibrosis have more hope than ever before. The median predicted survival age is now over 50 years old — something that once felt impossible. However, there is still no cure, and many people living with cystic fibrosis do not benefit from current treatments.
 

That is why I said yes to this opportunity.
 

By accepting this honor, I committed to raising money to support the mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation: to find a cure and provide every person with cystic fibrosis the opportunity to live a long, healthy, fulfilling life. I truly believe we have the chance to be part of something life-changing.
 

I would be incredibly grateful for your support as I work toward my fundraising goal. Every donation, sponsorship, and ticket purchase helps fund research, improve treatments, and bring hope to families affected by cystic fibrosis. Together, we have the opportunity to help make medical history and move closer to a cure for every person living with CF.
 

Thank you for supporting this cause that has touched my heart so deeply. Your kindness, encouragement, and generosity truly mean more than I can say.