I am honored to be a member of this year's Cystic Fibrosis Foundation D.C.'s Finest Planning Committee helping mentor the 2024's Finest class and continuing to raise money for the Foundation. All donations towards my goal help the Foundation realize its mission of curing cystic fibrosis (CF) and providing all people with CF the opportunity to lead long, fulfilling lives.

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.

As the partner of a CF patient, I've seen both the highs and lows of living with this disease. Most importantly, I've seen firsthand the life-changing effects of new therapies, like Trikafta, which have improved the lives of so many living 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!