I am honored to announce my selection to the STANDOUT Class of 2023. STANDOUT is a professional development and leadership program of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation that each year recognizes professionals throughout Charlotte for their contributions to the community, both professionally and philanthropically. The STANDOUT program culminates with an awards ceremony event on Thursday, November 2 at The Mint Museum in Uptown Charlotte.
 
In accepting the honor of participating as a STANDOUT, I am raising funds and awareness in the fight against cystic fibrosis (CF). In people with CF, a defective gene causes a thick buildup of mucus in the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. In the lungs, mucus clogs the airways and traps bacteria, leading to infections, extensive lung damage, and respiratory failure. Recognized globally, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has led the way in the fight against CF, fueling extraordinary medical and scientific progress. Working alongside the CF community, the CF Foundation has fostered the development of more than a dozen CF treatments — an unprecedented number in a short span of time — and helped add decades of life for people with CF. Thanks to this work, the life expectancy of someone born with CF has doubled in the last 30 years.

On Saturday, November 4, I will be running my first ever half marathon to raise funds and awareness for CF. Following my college graduation and end of my lacrosse career, I have been looking to challenge myself and add back the competitive nature sports bring to my life. I can't wait to race to not only achieve this personal goal, but also to raise awareness and funds to go toward this cause!

I am asking for your support in the quest to help find a cure for this devastating disease. Your generous contributions go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the world's leader in the search for a cure for CF. The Foundation’s most challenging and important work is still ahead. It will take sustained investment to develop therapies and ultimately a cure for all people living with CF.

Chloe, who you see below, lives right here in the Charlotte area. She fights CF every day; spending hours on daily treatments, taking handfuls of pills, and working hard to keep herself healthy.
 
Please consider supporting my efforts. There are three ways to help:
1)         Make a 100% tax-deductible general donation online using this webpage.
2)         Join me at the STANDOUT event on Thursday, November 2. Tickets are $175 and include dinner, beer/wine, and entertainment. Tickets can be purchased here on my site.
3)         Share my efforts with your network through e-mail, social media, or word of mouth. Raising awareness about cystic fibrosis is an important part of my work for STANDOUT.
 
Your support is greatly appreciated. Thank you for being a vital part of this endeavor and helping me meet my goals!
 
To learn more about cystic fibrosis and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, visit www.cff.org.