When I was eighteen, my introduction to cystic fibrosis began as a senior project. At the time, it was a graduation requirement, a task of research and awareness. I spent weeks immersed in the science and the stories of those living with CF, never realizing that years later, that academic exercise would evolve into a deeply personal mission.
 

Recently, I found myself searching for a way to give back to the Pittsburgh community that has given me so much. In a moment of perfect timing, I received an unexpected message from a former classmate asking me to get involved with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. It felt as though a door had opened that I had been waiting for; it was a true full-circle moment.
 

I have been selected as one of Pittsburgh’s 50 Finest, an honor that recognizes professional success and a commitment to philanthropy. While my formal challenge is to raise $5,000, I have set my sights higher. My goal is to raise $20,000.
 

I am doing this for the families right here in our neighborhoods who balance the complexities of this disease every single day. We are currently standing at a pivotal moment in medical history. Sixty years ago, children with CF rarely lived long enough to see elementary school. Today, because of the relentless work of this Foundation, the median survival age has climbed past 50.
 

We are not just funding research; we are buying time, milestones, and futures. However, the work isn't finished until every person with CF has a cure and a life free from the burden of this disease.
 

I am asking you to join me in this pursuit. By donating, you aren't just meeting a fundraising goal, you are becoming part of the legacy that eventually ends cystic fibrosis. Thank you for your generosity, your trust, and for helping me support the families in our community who need it most.