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Laps for Cystic Fibrosis

Vital Stats

Emily S

Birmingham, AL

people helped30000
People Doing It 500

The Problem

I have cystic fibrosis. When I was diagnosed at nine years old, it was a complete shock to me and my family. Immediately I wanted to do something to help raise awareness of CF and to raise money to help fight the disease. There are only about 30,000 people in the US with cystic fibrosis, and compared to other diseases, that is not a lot. Because of this, CF is realtively unknown, and it generally does not get as much money to fund treatment improvements and research. I am trying to do all I can to fight CF, and I refuse to let it slow me down!

Plan of Action

My nonprofit foundation, the Laps for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, is dedicated to raising awareness of cystic fibrosis (CF) and providing financial support in all areas of need for CF treatment, research, care, and improved quality of life. In addition to the swimming events, we also host events like a concert, golf tournament, event at Talladega, and more. Last summer, I started, with the support of BioGuard, a summer swim program called Splash for CF. This program allows people all over to help me raise money for CF. My priority through Laps for CF is to keep the funds directly influencing the lives of CF families and improving the local care centers that they frequent. The money raised by Laps for CF is given to CF Care Centers at hospitals which helps improve the treatment CF patient get. With improved treatment, all of us can lead healthier lives. We also give money to the CF Foundation which focuses on research. In the last 15 years, there have been so many improvements in research, and there are great things on the horizon as well. Finally, we give to a group called CF Hope for Alabama. This organization provides financial support to families with CF. CF is a very expensive disease, and sometimes it gets hard! I just turned 16 this year, and I can't beleive in 6 years we have raised over $1 million. It has surpassed what I ever thought was possible, but I definitely am not stopping now. I will keep raising money and keep fighting!