I will soon be honored by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at a special event recognizing outstanding young professionals in my community. In accepting this distinction, I have committed to raise money to help the Foundation realize its mission of controlling and curing cystic fibrosis (CF).

Please help me meet my fundraising goal by making a donation. Your generous gift will be used efficiently and effectively to help support vital CF research, medical and education programs.

As part of my fundraising efforts, I am spreading awareness specifically for Kelci. Kelci is a family-friend of mine that I have known since she was in elementary school. Kelci was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis right at birth. The first 10 years of her life were full of many unknowns, including multiple stays in and out of the hospital. Kelci was having a hard time gaining weight during this time, so she was placed on a feeding tube that she relied on until she was in fourth grade. Around this time, she participated in a research trial that allowed her to take Orkambi, a modulator that would really help her symptoms. In November of 2019, Kelci was placed a different modulator called Trikafta. After taking this, Kelci saw a decrease in her salt/sweat levels, bringing them back to their "normal" rates. Recently, Kelci found out that they will be starting a research trial to see if physical activity can be used to help as an airway clearance instead of her vest treatments.

On a daily basis, Kelci has multiple treatments she needs to complete: a vest treatment 1-2x per day (35 min each), taking enzymes with every meal, using an inhaler, completing 2 inhalant treatments, and taking Trikafta, a CF vitamin, and a daily antibiotic that helps keep her lungs clean. Nonetheless, CF hasn't stopped Kelci from doing her favorite things. In her freetime, she loves going on hikes, swimming, and reading. Kelci is also an impressive athlete, playing soccer, softball, and running track. Kelci is also CNA certified! She has been a huge inspiration to me as I have watched her grow up throughout the years, and I am honored to be able to share her story and spread awareness about cystic fibrosis. 

Cystic fibrosis is a devastating genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. More than ten million Americans are symptomless carriers of the defective CF gene. Advances continue to be made in finding a cure, but your help is needed now -- more than ever -- to help keep up the momentum of this life-saving research. 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 about 40. This is remarkable progress, but not good enough. We continue to lose precious lives to CF every day. 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!

Making a donation is easy and secure! Just click the Donate button on this page to make a donation that will be credited to my fundraising efforts. Any amount you can donate will be greatly appreciated!