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I was pleased to see that the third plenary session at the North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference included patient stories that reflected the diverse experiences of those with cystic fibrosis. I also like that it focused on the need for bold action to help those who can't benefit from modulators and centered on the full ecology of treatment innovations that can benefit every person with CF.

After watching the second plenary of the 2021 North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference, I was incredibly impressed by the level of support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is providing to the development of the next generation of therapeutics. Developing genetic therapies -- especially those as complex as gene editing -- will take a long time and a lot of collaboration.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought great challenges to cystic fibrosis care. As Michelle Prickett showed during plenary 1 of this year's North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference, CF care teams adapted to provide care and keep us safe. It also shows where CF care may be headed in the future.

I could fill a book with all the things I learned at the virtual North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference this year, but I am especially glad that there was a focus on diversity, gender health, and sex-based differences in CF.

COVID-19 presented all of us with a great deal of uncertainty. Fortunately, several sessions at the North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference helped provide some data -- and some relief.

Even though I haven't cultured for nontuberculous mycobacteria, I was excited to learn more about the treatment for the bacteria in people with cystic fibrosis during the virtual session at the North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference.