Hi, my name is Maddi Bertrand and this is my CF story. I was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at birth through newborn pre-screen testing.
For many years my family and I held fundraisers to increase awareness and raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Since the CF Foundation does not receive government funding, my family and I were happy to help in any way we could to raise money for research and a cure for this devastating disease. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to speak at several of the Greater Illinois Chapter events encouraging others to give their time and resources to help the CF Community.
My dream for the CF community is for better treatments, medications, and ultimately a cure. I almost lost my life this past year because of advanced lung disease caused by CF, but received a double lung transplant while on life support. I hope that no other CF patient loses their life to CF in the future.
My dream for my future is to work at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) in Florida. CMA rescues marine animals and rehabilitates them with the goal of releasing them back into the wild. I also dream of traveling the country as a motivational speaker sharing my incredible story and faith journey as a way to inspire and encourage others.
"What can people do to help you in your fight to cure CF?"
Help spread awareness of this disease and the Foundation's goal of future treatments and a cure.