Teams Ava's Fight For A Cure
A Journey of Resilience in the Battle Against Cystic Fibrosis
 

Cystic Fibrosis has been part of my story since before I was even born. I was diagnosed prenatally and born early due to complications from meconium ileus. I spent the first 63 days of my life in the NICU undergoing surgeries, including receiving and later reversing an ostomy bag. Since then, CF has continued to impact every part of my life — but it has also shaped me into the person I am today.

Growing up with an older sister who also has Cystic Fibrosis gave me a unique perspective on the disease. We understood each other’s struggles in a way that few people can, and that shared experience created an incredibly strong bond between us.

Living with CF has meant balancing hospitalizations, treatments, medications, and constant medical appointments alongside everyday life. During college alone, I experienced multiple hospitalizations, but I remained determined to keep pushing forward. I graduated high school early at 17 and completed my bachelor’s degree shortly after turning 20.
 

Today, I am currently in graduate school while also working full-time in the field of autism and neurodevelopment. Although I’m proud of how far I’ve come, managing CF is still a full-time job in itself. Every day includes medications, airway clearance treatments, physical therapy, and prioritizing my health in ways most people never have to think about.
 

I am participating in the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Xtreme Hike to help raise money for research, treatments, and ultimately a cure. The progress made in CF care has already changed my life, and I hope future generations with CF can experience even more.
 

Your support truly means the world to me. Every donation helps move us one step closer to making CF stand for Cure Found.