I am honored to be selected as an honoree for Pittsburgh's 50 Finest fundraising event for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. 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.

Two months ago, I would have admitted to not having a connection to the Foundation, but today I can say I am not only connected, but committed to supporting those living with CF and their families.

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. 

But, the work is not yet done. Many people with CF do not benefit from existing therapies and our vision is a cure for every person with cystic fibrosis.

Please help me meet my fundraising goal of $10,000 by making a donation. By supporting my fundraising efforts, you have an opportunity to help make medical history and end this disease in our lifetimes.

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!