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"Consider the positive influence you aspire to have as someone living with cystic fibrosis. How do you hope to inspire and empower future generations of young adults with chronic illnesses?"

As a 28-year-old woman living with cystic fibrosis, my life has been a constant balance of strength, perseverance, and purpose. Diagnosed at 18 months old, I've grown up managing a complex and often "invisible" illness that has shaped nearly every facet of my life. Instead of letting it limit me, I've used it as fuel to pursue a life of service and advocacy. Today, I am a Registered Respiratory Therapist and serve as the Director of Clinical Education for a community college respiratory therapy program. In both my professional and personal life, I am deeply committed to equity and inclusion, particularly when it comes to access to higher education and the creation of supportive academic environments for students with chronic illnesses and other marginalized identities. Living with cystic fibrosis has provided me with a unique perspective on resilience, empathy, and the power of representation. I know how isolating it can feel to sit in a classroom, a hospital room, or a professional meeting and not see anyone else who understands the daily challenges of living with a chronic illness or how uncomfortable it is to be looked at differently when the inevitable signs of managing a disease present themselves. That's why I strive to represent and be a voice for others like me, students and young adults who may feel like their health disqualifies them from achieving their dreams or like they don't deserve to pursue their passions. In my role as an educator, I work hard to shape not only how respiratory therapy is taught, but also how students are supported. In the courses I teach, I do my best to promote academic policies that recognize the real-world needs of students with disabilities and chronic illnesses such as flexibility in attendance, understanding around flare-ups, and accommodations that don't force students to choose between their health and their future. My goal is to create a culture of inclusion where every student has equal access to higher education and is able to succeed in their ambitions. I make it a point to share my story with my students and colleagues, not for sympathy or pity but to normalize chronic illness and highlight what kind of life is possible. I want young people with cystic fibrosis or any chronic health condition to see that their diagnosis does not define their potential. They can be healthcare providers, educators, leaders, and advocates. Ultimately, I hope to inspire future generations by being the person I once needed: someone who understands, advocates, and leads with both compassion and conviction. I want to show them that their voice matters, their experience matters, and their goals are valid. Through education, mentorship, and policy reform, I am committed to creating a more inclusive future. One where chronic illness is not a barrier, but a source of strength and individuality that should be accepted, and to recognize that it is okay to celebrate overcoming the struggles that come with it in order to achieve any desire.