I’m incredibly honored to be recognized by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation this year — and even more excited to jump into fundraising for such an impactful cause.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with the CF community as a photographer for events like Brewer’s Ball and Great Strides Walk, and I’ve also attended Brewer’s Ball personally. Through those experiences, I’ve been continually inspired by the strength, resilience, and love surrounding this community. Seeing the walk signs honoring loved ones, hearing personal stories, and witnessing the support people show one another always leaves a lasting impression on me.

What inspires me most is this: fundraising is truly changing lives. The progress being made through the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is real, measurable, and happening right now. In the 1950s, children with CF often did not live long enough to attend elementary school. Today, many people with CF are pursuing careers, attending college, getting married, having families, and living fuller lives than ever before. In 2000, the median predicted survival age for someone with CF was just 31–33 years old. Today, it has increased to 56 years — and that number continues to rise thanks to research, treatment advances, and supporters who continue to show up for this cause. That’s something worth rallying behind.

And if you know me, you know I’m a competitive person - so while I’m genuinely honored to be part of this incredible group of honorees, I’m also very ready to lean into the “go big or go home” mindset. I can’t wait to get started, raise as much as possible, support an organization I deeply believe in…and maybe end up at the top of the leaderboard while we’re at it!

Every donation of any amount matters.  Thank you for being part of something that is genuinely changing lives.