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I never had the luxury of time to reflect on the hardships that I experienced fighting cystic fibrosis because I was too focused on that particular day’s struggle. Still, there are two experiences that have stuck with me even though they were more than 10 years ago.
I am excited that the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has surpassed $100 million in research funding through its Infection Research Initiative and that it promises to continue to support infection research at the same rate as the past three years. I am hopeful that the patient community will hear more about funding updates for new infection research as we move forward.
I began fundraising and raising CF awareness soon after my son, Aidan, was diagnosed as a baby. After years of successful fundraiser walks, Aidan asked me to stop — opening my eyes to the difference between being a mom of someone with CF and being the person who is living with CF.
I was diagnosed late with cystic fibrosis. When I found out I had bronchiectasis on top of that, I was crushed. However, nine years later, my health is as good as it can be, and I’ve learned the value of fighting back.
Having a friend with cystic fibrosis has made me determined to do all that I can to help her fight for a cure. That includes leading the charge for making legacy donations to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
My son, Arjun, has had the deck stacked against him in some ways. He was born early, with cystic fibrosis, and needed surgery. His resilience, and my hopes for his future, keep me inspired.
As I reflect on the 30th anniversary of Great Strides and my 35-year journey living with cystic fibrosis, I celebrate all the CF community has accomplished together and am thankful to be able to share my story as a 2018 National Ambassador.
With another fantastic Volunteer Leadership Conference (VLC) in the books, I want to share some of the things we learned and how we can keep the momentum going through National Volunteer Week, and all year long.
Caring for somebody with CF used to be a lonely journey. But that changed after I attended the first Volunteer Leadership Conference (VLC). I have attended the conference every year, and this year as a co-chair of the 15th VLC, I'm welcoming everybody to livestream it so we can share and learn together.