The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation mourns the passing of Doris F. Tulcin and honors her dedication and vision. A fearless trailblazer, Doris worked tirelessly to build a better future for people with CF.

When her daughter Ann was born with cystic fibrosis in 1953, doctors said she would live only one year. Flatly rejecting that outcome, Doris jumped into action, galvanizing a group of parents who came together to found the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Alongside other determined leaders, she helped form chapters across the country to raise money for research and helped launch what would soon become a care center network to advance treatment for everyone with the disease.

“Through her extraordinary service and leadership, Doris shaped the Foundation as both volunteer and employee for more than seven decades, spreading awareness of a disease few had heard of, championing the research and care needed to improve the lives of people with CF, and giving hope to the families of children with cystic fibrosis across the nation,” said Michael Boyle, MD, president and CEO of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Named national president of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in 1974, Doris set the Foundation’s essential fundraising efforts in motion, establishing an annual goal of $16 million. Seen by many as an unstoppable force, Doris had a tenacity and a gift for rallying others to the cause, often turning hesitant donors into major givers. In 1982, she launched a major fundraising campaign that generated $28 million to support the establishment of the Foundation’s first national research development programs. These programs helped lead to the discovery of the CF gene in 1989, which eventually led to the breakthrough modulator treatments that so many benefit from today.

Doris served in varied key roles over her career, including as Foundation employee. She was the chapter board chair and executive director of the Greater New York Chapter for 18 years, and served three terms as the National Board of Trustees Chair. She was also appointed to the NIH’s Advisory Council of the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.

In 2022, she was awarded the Dream Big Award for her tireless dedication, service, and vision. Her message to the community was one of hope and urgency. She emphasized that while progress had been made for many, everyone with CF should benefit from breakthroughs.

Ann Kates lived to be 72, a beloved member of the CF community who left us in July, 2025.

Doris never wavered in her commitment to people with CF. She served as chair emeritus of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees until her passing on October 23, 2025. She was 97.