Life with Cystic Fibrosis began before I even took my first breath. Diagnosed prenatally, I made my entrance into the world earlier than expected due to complications from meconium ileus. My first two months of life were spent in the NICU, complete with an ostomy bag and subsequent takedown surgery. Those 63 days were just the beginning of my journey with CF. Growing up alongside my older sister, who also has CF, gave me a unique perspective on the condition. We understood each other's struggles in a way that others couldn't, creating a strong bond through our shared experiences.

The impact of CF on my education has been significant, but not in the way you might expect. While it led to numerous hospitalizations and missed school days, it also taught me resilience and determination. When COVID-19 hit, the transition to online learning was particularly crucial for me due to my CF. This challenge became an opportunity - I graduated high school at 17 and completed college just after turning 20. Despite facing five hospitalizations during my college years alone, I refused to let CF define my academic journey. Now, I'm proud to announce my acceptance into graduate school, where I'll be starting next fall. It's a testament to the fact that CF doesn't have to limit your dreams - it just means you might take a different path to achieve them.

Today, I'm the healthiest I've ever been, but that doesn't mean life with CF is easy. Each day involves a rigorous routine of medications, airway clearance treatments, and physical therapy. It's a full-time job managing this condition, but it's made me stronger and more determined than ever. Your support can make a difference! We're raising funds to support CF research and treatment. Every contribution helps us move closer to better treatments and, ultimately, a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those living with CF just like me and make CF stand for Cure Found!!