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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?"

Cystic Fibrosis has never offered me an easy path. The laborious treatment routines, the daily handfuls of medications, and the unrelenting need to monitor every cough and calorie never reflected a typical, healthy childhood. But perhaps the most challenging part was not physical, but emotional: the separation from my sister. As the youngest of four children, I looked up to my siblings, especially her. She also lives with CF, but under medical instruction by our doctors, my parents were advised to keep us apart to prevent cross-infection. Despite our shared experiences, we spent our formative years at a distance, connected by the same struggle, but physically kept apart as much as possible. That precautionary divide taught me early that illness affects far more than just the body. It shapes how you interact with others, how you see yourself, and how you envision your future. Living with CF demanded not just endurance, but emotional adaptability. However, through those years of quiet observation and personal struggle, I discovered that even in silence, strength can take root, and that resilience is often the product of enduring the everyday battles no one sees. What once felt like an isolating condition gradually became a source of purpose. As someone living with CF, I aspire to use my experiences to uplift and empower the next generation of young adults facing chronic illness. My goal is to create a space where others feel less alone and more understood. Whether through writing, advocacy, or mentorship, I want to share the message that a diagnosis does not limit one's potential. I hope to be a voice of encouragement that reminds others they are more than their condition. The AbbVie CF Scholarship represents more than financial support—it symbolizes opportunity, visibility, and leadership within the CF community. If selected, I will carry forward its mission by actively contributing to the lives of others who face similar obstacles. I want to model perseverance not by denying the challenges, but by demonstrating what's possible in spite of them. I hope to encourage young adults to pursue education, build relationships, and take ownership of their goals, no matter the limitations placed before them. Living with CF has never been easy, but it has shaped me into someone who values empathy, persistence, and purpose. I believe that leadership within the CF community starts with honesty about both struggle and strength. I want to be part of the next wave of individuals who survive, thrive, and help others do the same. Thank you for considering my application to the AbbVie CF Scholarship Program. I am committed to turning the lessons I've learned into a legacy that empowers others to keep moving forward—day by day, breath by breath.