Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. I’m Sarah Bertollini, and I am proud to be part of the mission to find a cure for cystic fibrosis (CF)—a cause that’s very close to my heart. This journey is deeply personal to me, and it’s the strength of families affected by CF that inspires my commitment to this cause.
 

In 2019, I volunteered for the Cystic Fibrosis Golf Classic, and it was then that I began to truly understand the profound impact of this disease—not only on those living with CF but also on their families and loved ones. My work with the CF Foundation aligns with my highest personal values: “love” and “helping others cross.” It’s a privilege to lend my advocacy to such a necessary cause, giving me the opportunity to extend a hand to those in need. Learning that CF research receives no government funding and has relied entirely on grassroots efforts since 1955 has only strengthened my resolve to make a difference.

Supporting the CF community has been a transformative experience for me. Imagine one of the most joyful moments in life—the birth of your child—overshadowed by the news that they have a genetic disease for which there is no cure. While I don’t have biological children of my own, I do have a 16-year-old daughter who is the light of my life. We’re fortunate that she’s healthy, active, and able to enjoy all the things teenage girls her age do. My heart aches, though, for the families I’ve met whose children are unable to experience that same carefree experiences because of CF. This disparity fuels my commitment to continue fighting for a cure.

Living with CF demands extraordinary resilience from both patients and their families. I am driven to "help others cross” by supporting the search for a cure, as I’ve seen firsthand the emotional toll CF takes. I’ve looked into the teary eyes of exhausted mothers and witnessed the joy in the face of a young boy with CF as he delighted in the discovery of a simple pond frog. These families face sleepless nights, hours of daily treatments, hospital stays, infections, missed milestones, and countless sacrifices that most of us can’t imagine. The experience of a carefree childhood has been stolen from them—and they need our help to reclaim it.
 

Over the past six years, I’ve had the privilege of hearing many stories from CF families—stories filled with grief, loss, fear, and frustration, but also an unwavering force: love. Today, approximately 40,000 people in the United States live with CF, and they need our support to help them cross. The CF Foundation, funded entirely by advocacy and grassroots efforts, has made remarkable strides over the past 69 years, improving the quality of life for those with CF. Yet, the mission remains: to find a cure so that one day, “CF” will stand for “Cure Found.” I am honored to fight for this cause, knowing our efforts bring hope and real change to families who need it most. Together, we can create a world where every person with CF can live a full, healthy life.
 

As part of the 2024 class of Central New York’s Finest Young Professionals, I am endeavoring to raise $10,000 by November 8th for cystic fibrosis through the generosity of my community of friends, colleagues, and family. Every dollar brings us one step closer to a cure, and I humbly ask for your support.
 

If you have ever felt the heartbreak of seeing someone you love face overwhelming challenges, I invite you to join me in the fight against CF. Together, we can create a future where no family has to endure the pain and struggle of this devastating disease.
 

With love and gratitude,
Sarah