"Do You Have a Personal Connection to CF?"

"Do you have a personal connection to CF?" A question I've been asked (what feels like) a hundred times. When I first started volunteering with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation the answer was "no." But something deep down was always pulling me toward the mission... I just didn't know what, or rather who, it was at the time.

I only learned about CF 10 years ago. I was seeing a pulmonologist for the first time during my senior year of high school. I've always loved science and medicine, but my unfortunate lack of math skills precluded me from considering a career in those spaces. As I was waiting on the exam table, I found myself scanning the posters on the walls. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and then - the one that caught my eye most - cystic fibrosis. I'd never heard of it and I immediately wanted to learn more. The doctor gave me just enough information to satisfy my interest and get me to start discussing my own health. With prednisone and albuterol prescriptions in hand, I was on my way out the door and would soon be heading to college.

During my undergrad I was very involved, some might say overinvolved. By the time I graduated, I was part of 10 student organizations and had earned five minors. I've always loved meeting new people and this level of involvement helped me to expand my circle and connect with a diverse group of my peers. While they all contributed to who I am today, one organization in particular really helped me identify my purpose - Delta Phi Epsilon (DPhiE).

My experience with DPhiE was unique. I didn't attend formal recruitment as most do. I was invited to a meeting with the director of greek life, along with a few other involved young women on campus, and informed of the opportunity to become a founder of the chapter. What sparked my interest most during this meeting was learning that DPhiE fundraised on a national level for the CF Foundation. In a few months time, I became the founding president of the chapter and started volunteering at Foundation-run galas and Great Strides walks. I organized mass donations to fill tote bags for children in CF clinics at CHOP, helped start an ugly sweater run on campus, and found myself immersed in a community of truly wonderful and mission-driven people.

Following my college graduation I moved to Philadelphia to pursue my M.S. at Drexel University. I didn't want college to be the end of my support for the Foundation so I continued to attend events in the area. A few years after starting my career in healthcare/pharmaceutical PR, I was selected as an honoree for Philadelphia's Finest - a CF Foundation-run event honoring Philadelphia’s Finest young professionals who show exemplary leadership, are active in their communities, and who have excelled in their profession or business. From there, my involvement skyrocketed. I joined the Finest committee, Tomorrow's Leaders, attended March on the Hill, and even set up a meeting separately with my own local congressman.

I've hosted events, sold my own artwork, made apparel, continued the tote bag donations, attended every event I can make, spoken about CF with large corporations, and wrote, illustrated, and published a children's book (of which all proceeds are donated to the CF Foundation.) I even pursued my passion further and started working at the Foundation full-time last January. However, the most inspiring thing I've been able to do is connect with the community.

When my journey started, I knew not a single person with CF, or with a loved one with CF. In the past 10 years, I've had the honor of finding those connections with some really special people:

• Angie Kinney, a dedicated volunteer and mom of young women with CF who I had the honor of inducting as my sister at the 2016 DPhiE International Leadership Convention
• Andy Lipman, an author, father, and motivational speaker dedicated to sharing the stories of other CF warriors through his books
• Cam McLoud and KC White, Board of Trustees Chairs who have both dedicated their lives to this mission in ways I can only hope to do myself
• Julia Rae, who so kindly shared my book with her 52K followers
• Nicole Kohr, an award winning writer and patient advocate
• Michael Rankin, who has so kindly welcomed me with open arms
• The entire Buzzard family, who have been steadfast leaders in our local community
• Tré LaRosa, the person who leaves me feeling the most inspired and understood after every conversation

Perhaps when fate was pulling me toward this cause, it was for you all. The feeling is indescribable, but I've known from the start that fighting this fight is my purpose, I just didn't have the answer as to why. Over time you've all gifted me the "why" by simply being yourselves.

"Do you have a personal connection to CF?" A question I've been asked (what feels like) a hundred times. I'm proud to now say, "yes, I do." To everyone in the community that I've connected with - I fight for you. To everyone I've never met - I fight for you too.

Until it's done for everyone.

Learn more about CF or donate to the Foundation here.