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.

You have an opportunity in your lifetime to be part of ending this disease. Please consider joining us and help make medical history. 

I myself new almost nothing about CF before starting on this only a few short weeks ago. But in that time, I have learned many things. I've met the real heroes at Froedtert & Children's Hospital of Milwaukee and their amazing facilities, collaborated with other impressive nominees of Milwaukee's Finest (they truly live up to the name), and am eagerly looking forward to meeting my friend Colton who has had CF since birth. (Story and photos to come!) 

Nearly 40,000 people in the United States have cystic fibrosis: a progressive, genetic disease that affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. It isn't an issue of solving one cell or gene issue as this disease has multiple unique variants affecting multiple facets of the body. 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.

To learn more about CF and the CF Foundation, visit www.cff.org. I am hoping we can help the CF Foundation realize their dream of making CF stand for Cure Found! If you have the means, please donate as you are able. Any amount is greatly welcomed. I am more than happy to share information as I learn more on this endeavor. I appreciate you taking the time to read this and look forward to your support.