If you know me, then you know how close to my heart raising awareness for cystic fibrosis is. One of my very best friends, Maci, has CF. Over the years, I’ve watched her face the day-to-day battles that come with this disease, but I’ve also had the privilege of watching her overcome and conquer so much along the way.
 

Showing up for the people I love has always been important to me, and supporting the fight against CF is one of the ways I can do that. While I can’t change the challenges that come with CF, I can do my part. I can use my voice, my time, and the opportunities I’m given to raise awareness, support research, and help fight for a future free from the burden of cystic fibrosis — for Maci and everyone else battling this disease.
 

That is why being honored by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at an event recognizing outstanding professionals in my community means so much more to me than simply receiving an award. It gives me another opportunity to support a cause that has been part of my life for years and to show up for someone who means so much to me.
 

In accepting this honor, I have committed to raising money to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s mission of curing cystic fibrosis and giving every person with CF the opportunity to lead a fulfilling life.
 

Nearly 40,000 people in the United States are living with cystic fibrosis, a progressive genetic disease that affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. Sixty years ago, children with CF often did not live long enough to attend elementary school. Today, because of Foundation-supported research and care, the median survival age for people with CF is over 50. Working alongside the CF community, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has helped foster the development of more than a dozen CF treatments and helped add decades of life for people living with CF.
 

While the progress has been incredible, there is still so much work to be done. Many people with CF still do not benefit from existing therapies. The goal is a cure for every person with cystic fibrosis — a future free from the burden of this disease where no one is left behind.
 

Please consider helping me reach my fundraising goal by making a donation. Your support means so much to me, and every contribution helps support the continued research and progress toward finding a cure. To learn more about CF and the CF Foundation, visit www.cff.org.
 

Together, we can make a difference for Maci and everyone else battling cystic fibrosis. Thank you for supporting me and the mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. 💜