Hello and welcome to my fundraising page! My name is Caroline Lewis and I am a 15 year old with Cystic Fibrosis. CF is a genetic condition caused by a mutation in the CFTR protein that causes a buildup of mucus in the lungs and digestive system which makes it hard to breathe and digest food.

I was diagnosed with CF when I was 10 days old. Ever since then, I've put in a ton of work to stay healthy. This includes multiple hours of breathing treatments every day (I've spent over a full year's worth of time connected to machines), countless doctors visits and checkups, so many pills (sometimes over 40 per day), and even a few hospitalizations and procedures due to bacterial and fungal infections in my lungs. I have been in 5 clinical trials for various treatments and therapies that have gone on to successfully treat many people with cystic fibrosis. Thanks to the insane amount of work that so many people have put in, I am now the healthiest I have ever been- I'm able to do things that were never thought possible for someone with CF.

Outside of directly caring for my health, my family has been involved with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation since I was about six months old. My dad participated in the inaugural Xtreme Hike (30.1 miles in a day to raise money for a cure) and has done over 30 since then. I have been able to do the hike 3 times and I can't wait to do more! I have participated in the Teen Advocacy Day twice where I was able to speak to senators and congresspeople about important legislation concerning the CF community. I have also spoken to our local representatives about the same topics and I hope to continue to make a difference through advocacy!

Outside of CF, I enjoy creating art (specifically with watercolors, but I am learning how to use oil paints and colored pencils) dancing, reading, and all things science (especially biology, which I hope to study in college and later in my career).

Will you help us end cystic fibrosis?