Welcome to Heather Marchetto's Page
Heather Marchetto
Heather Marchetto
When I was 15 years old, one of my closest friends welcomed a baby sister named Claire into the world. Claire was born with cystic fibrosis, and due to early complications, her diagnosis came almost immediately. For me, that moment marked my first real experience witnessing the impact of chronic illness on a family I loved.
From that day forward, Claire’s journey became something our entire community rallied around. As a friend group and support system, we’ve spent years walking alongside her family, participating in fundraisers, raising awareness, and standing behind the mission to find a cure. That early experience shaped how I view community, resilience, and the importance of collective action.
This year, I am honored to support the Hartner family and the broader cystic fibrosis community as a CF 50 Finest honoree. As part of this journey, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know Isla and Elliot, the incredible individuals my fundraising team is proud to champion. Learning about their experiences; their challenges, their resilience, and their victories; has deepened my commitment to this cause and made it even more personal. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation recognizes leaders who are committed to making a meaningful impact, and I am proud to stand alongside a class of individuals all working toward the same goal.
In accepting this distinction, I have committed to raising funds to help the Foundation advance its mission: to cure cystic fibrosis and ensure that all people living with CF have the opportunity to lead long, fulfilling lives.
Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that affects nearly 40,000 people in the United States, impacting the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. Just 60 years ago, many children diagnosed with CF did not live long enough to attend elementary school. Today, thanks to groundbreaking research and care supported by the CF Foundation, the median life expectancy has surpassed 50 years—a remarkable achievement that shows what is possible through innovation and community support.
However, there is still critical work to be done. Not every person with CF benefits from existing treatments, and the Foundation remains committed to a future where every individual can live free from the burden of this disease.
I invite you to join me in this mission. By supporting my fundraising efforts, you have the opportunity to be part of something truly meaningful; helping to drive research forward, improve lives today, and ultimately, end this disease.
Together, we can make a difference.
From that day forward, Claire’s journey became something our entire community rallied around. As a friend group and support system, we’ve spent years walking alongside her family, participating in fundraisers, raising awareness, and standing behind the mission to find a cure. That early experience shaped how I view community, resilience, and the importance of collective action.
This year, I am honored to support the Hartner family and the broader cystic fibrosis community as a CF 50 Finest honoree. As part of this journey, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know Isla and Elliot, the incredible individuals my fundraising team is proud to champion. Learning about their experiences; their challenges, their resilience, and their victories; has deepened my commitment to this cause and made it even more personal. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation recognizes leaders who are committed to making a meaningful impact, and I am proud to stand alongside a class of individuals all working toward the same goal.
In accepting this distinction, I have committed to raising funds to help the Foundation advance its mission: to cure cystic fibrosis and ensure that all people living with CF have the opportunity to lead long, fulfilling lives.
Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that affects nearly 40,000 people in the United States, impacting the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. Just 60 years ago, many children diagnosed with CF did not live long enough to attend elementary school. Today, thanks to groundbreaking research and care supported by the CF Foundation, the median life expectancy has surpassed 50 years—a remarkable achievement that shows what is possible through innovation and community support.
However, there is still critical work to be done. Not every person with CF benefits from existing treatments, and the Foundation remains committed to a future where every individual can live free from the burden of this disease.
I invite you to join me in this mission. By supporting my fundraising efforts, you have the opportunity to be part of something truly meaningful; helping to drive research forward, improve lives today, and ultimately, end this disease.
Together, we can make a difference.
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