Hi, my name is Caitlyn Zimmerman, and I am honored to be recognized by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation as one of Pittsburgh's 50 Finest. In accepting this distinction, I have committed to raising money to help the Foundation continue its mission of curing cystic fibrosis and providing every person with CF the opportunity to live a long, fulfilling life.

I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at just 2 weeks old. Since then, CF has shaped every aspect of my life - the good, the bad, and the ugly. It has meant countless medications, treatments, doctor appointments, hospital stays, and challenges that most people never see. But it has also given me strength, resilience, perspective, and a deep appreciation for life and the people around me.

Cystic fibrosis is more than just a disease to me, it is my everyday reality. That is why this cause is incredibly personal and something I am deeply passionate about fighting for. I am so excited and grateful to be part of Pittsburgh's 50 Finest and to use this opportunity to advocate for everyone living with CF.

Nearly 40,000 people in the United States live with cystic fibrosis, a progressive genetic disease that affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. Sixty years ago, children with CF often did not live long enough to attend elementary school. Today, thanks to groundbreaking research and advancements supported by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the median predicted survival age for people with CF is now over 50 years old. While this progress is incredible, there is still no cure, and many people with CF still do not benefit from existing therapies.

The CF Foundation has helped develop more than a dozen life-changing treatments that have added decades of life for so many people, including people like me. But the fight is not over. 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.

Please help me reach my fundraising goal by making a donation and supporting the mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. By supporting this cause, you are helping fund life-saving research, care, and hope for thousands of individuals and families affected by CF. Together, we truly have the opportunity to make medical history and change lives.

To learn more about cystic fibrosis and the CF Foundation, please visit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Thank you so much for your support, it means more than you know!