On a hot summer day in July of 1998, our lives were forever changed when I was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at the age of four. Over the course of the past 25 years, my family and I have endured treatments, several surgeries, hospital visits, rounds of antibiotics and much, much more. I tend to not speak very publicly about CF and that’s probably because of a few reasons. I don’t really like to give it any more attention than it deserves, I don’t let it bother or hinder me and I certainly never allow it to get in my way.

Fast forward to 2022 on another hot summer day in July, we were given the greatest gift we could have asked for. Ronan Joseph was born on July 1st after 26 hours of labor and 38 weeks of pregnancy. I like to think Ronan being born the same month I was diagnosed was God’s way of smiling down on us and letting us know that it was all worth it. Not only did our dream of becoming parents come true, but we beat the odds. Pregnancy and CF just weren’t talked about together too much 25 years ago, so motherhood certainly wasn’t discussed at all either.

Working alongside the CF community, the CF Foundation has fostered the development of more than a dozen CF treatments that have completely shifted the course of my health. With the help of these tremendous efforts and a whole lot of fight, I look forward to watching Ronan grow up and making his dreams come true - because he was mine. ❤

For as long as I can remember, my family and I have been involved with the Foundation's mission to find a cure. Through fundraising efforts, Great Strides, annual galas and many other events throughout the years, it's been an honor to play such an active role in the important work the Foundation sets out to do each day. When asked to be a member of the 2024 Harrisburg's Finest class, I was eager take part in such a successful program. Please consider joining us and help make medical history.

Big thanks to my cousin/sister/friends, our family and our amazing friends who’ve never made me doubt the love and support we have fighting behind us each day. We are at a pivotal moment in the history of Cystic Fibrosis and with your help, we can make CF stand for Cure Found.