Dear Community Voice Member,
This November, Community Voice is proud to recognize Native American Heritage Month and celebrate the rich historical legacy, achievements, and contributions of Native/Indigenous Americans in their families, workplaces, and communities. This celebration aims to highlight the importance of representation and inclusion of Native/Indigenous voices in the CF community and the diversity within Community Voice membership.
|
“I was a late CF diagnosis because I was born in the 80s at an Indian Health Services hospital - I am a Tlingit Indian (Alaska Native). Newborn screenings were not standard protocol yet, and CF in the Alaska Native/Native American populations was not on anyone's radar. As I've grown older, I've appreciated how the world of CF is drastically changing, and we now know that CF can impact diverse populations, including Indigenous people. Community Voice is essential because it provides avenues for research, programs, and CF care to advance knowledge and understanding regarding Alaska Native/Native American populations impacted by CF. For so long, CF was an unknown part of our Indigenous communities. Knowledge is power - advocating, protecting, and learning about how CF impacts our indigenous people is essential.”
- Sabrina Walker, Community Voice Member since 2016
|
We remain dedicated to increasing the visibility and inclusion of Indigenous voices across research and program areas across the Foundation and are committed to hearing from all people with CF and their loved ones.
|
“Growing up, cystic fibrosis (CF) patients were always white. Every pamphlet and poster reflected that. I was always the odd man out. Present day, I feel seen as a person of color who battles CF. To know the cystic fibrosis community is celebrating my Native American roots in particular (yet another minority group) makes me feel so proud to be a part of this inclusive group of patients and advocates.”
- Nicole Kohr, Community Voice Member since 2019, CF patient and bilateral lung transplant recipient
|
We encourage you to read this insightful article from a Community Voice member:
If you are interested in sharing your story, fill out the CF Community Blog interest form!
We invite you to use this month to recognize and celebrate the diversity of the CF community. We hope these stories prompt reflection and conversations with your families and loved ones.
Warmest regards,
The Community Voice team
|
|
|
Manage your preferences | Opt Out using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.
|
4550 Montgomery Ave Suite 1100 N | Bethesda, MD 20814 US
|
|
|
This email was sent to .
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.
|
| |
|
|
