Our Day on the Hill

CF Foundation Public Policy interns Shannon, Oakey and Erin share highlights from attending Teen Advocacy Day 2015, where 62 teens from across the country traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with their Representatives and advocate on behalf of their siblings, friends and relatives with CF.

Jul. 14, 2015 | 2 min read

Ashling Knight

7:30 a.m.

Breakfast was so fun feeling everyone's excitement to take Capitol Hill by storm! - Shannon

8:00 a.m.

Welcome session begins. Drs. Beall and Campbell share the latest and greatest in CF research -- so inspiring! - Erin

8:30 a.m.

Sen. Harry Reid joined our breakfast and told a story about CF. He is excited for the progress we are making. - Oakey

10:00 a.m.

Heading to my first meeting with a staffer from Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger's office. Can't wait to get started! - Oakey

11:00 a.m.

Caught Rep. Mia Love as she left her office. She mentioned she had read a book about CF where a woman was famous because she lived to be 20. She was shocked when I told her the median life expectancy is now 41! - Erin

12:30 p.m.

Paused for a quick photo op on the steps of the Capitol. - Oakey

1:30 p.m.

After 4 years me of asking, Rep. Chris Stewart committed to joining the CF caucus to support my cousin! - Erin

2:00 p.m.

I just met with Rep. Heck, and he actually remembered me from years past! He was very supportive because of his history as a doctor. - Shannon

4:00 p.m.

Small world! Rep. Amodei's cousin was affected by CF, so his office was extra supportive of the Foundation. - Shannon

5:30 p.m.

Dinner begins. It was so much fun to have everyone together again! It was a nice ending and such a fun time! Thank you soo much to everyone who joined us! - Shannon

***

And thank you Erin, Shannon and Oakey for spending your summer interning with us at the CF Foundation's National Office!

This site contains general information about cystic fibrosis, as well as personal insight from the CF community. Opinions and experiences shared by members of our community, including but not limited to people with CF and their families, belong solely to the blog post author and do not represent those of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, unless explicitly stated. In addition, the site is not intended as a substitute for treatment advice from a medical professional. Consult your doctor before making any changes to your treatment.

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Get Involved | Advocacy

Ashling previously worked at the Foundation as a digital content manager. She helped keep the Foundation's website and blog up to date with news and information that's important to the CF community. Ashling first got involved with the Foundation through Delta Phi Epsilon sorority at York College of Pennsylvania, where she earned her B.A. in public relations. Originally from New Jersey, she now lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, son, and two dogs.

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