I am being honored by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at a special event recognizing outstanding professionals in my community. In accepting this distinction, I have committed to raise money to help the Foundation realize its mission of curing cystic fibrosis (CF) and providing all people with CF the opportunity to lead long, fulfilling lives.

I began my relationship with the cystic fibrosis community in 1991 as a nurse for the University of Miami Pediatric Pulmonary division, at the time under the direction of Dr. Robert “Budge” McKey and Dr. Kunjana Mavunda.  Over the years, I have had the opportunity to see ideas of therapies in CF care become a reality. I am a member of the Division’s Newborn Screen team and as such have had the experience of working with families from the day of diagnosis and on through the stages of treatment. To look at a patient as they prepare to go off to college and say “I’ve taken care of you since you were in diapers” is something that was not common 30 years ago. Now it’s our norm. How cool is that? Working with the cystic fibrosis clinic also affords me the opportunity to share information about CF with the Black community. The condition is not common in the Black population and so little light is shed on it. I strive to educate the families and the community as much as I can. Knowledge is power.

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. 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.

By supporting my fundraising efforts, you have an opportunity in your lifetime to be part of ending this disease. Please consider joining us and help make medical history.

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!