Hi, my name is Riddhi! I live in Oregon, I am 16 years old, and I have Cystic Fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is a progressive genetic disease that makes the body produce thick, sticky mucus that builds up around the lungs and other parts of the body. In the lungs, it causes a breeding ground for germs and bacteria which cause bad, recurring infections, leading to loss of lung function. There are more than 30,000 people in the U.S. with CF, and there is no known cure that applies to all CF patients yet.
Though I’ve lived with CF all my life, I never let my CF define me. I’ve always been able to do whatever I set my mind to because of my positive mindset and limitless imagination. A little bit about me, I like arts and crafts, playing music and singing, and I like playing sports like tennis and basketball (just for fun). I also received my black belt in Taekwondo. I’m the type of kid who doesn’t have a favorite subject in school because I love all of them. I love to learn and because of my experiences living with CF, I have dreams of using my education to help other people. I would like to grow up to work in the medical field and make an impact on people's lives, just like all the doctors and nurses who help me.
The CF foundation is so important to my family and I because they always try their hardest to get the most out of every event and make it possible to support and fund every research study that can get us closer to finding a cure. They helped out so much by supporting the research for modulators that are now available for 90% of CF patients to take. Though modulators are not cures, they help reduce symptoms and can increase lung function. I am part of the 10% of CF patients who cannot apply for the modulators yet but the foundation and the scientists have done such an amazing job already. I am positive that with a little time and support, from wonderful people like you, there will be a cure for all CF patients!
I want a chance to fulfill any dreams that come my way and I believe every child with CF should get that opportunity. This is why funding and supporting research and studies for modulators and medical advancements in CF is so important. So we can give every kid a chance to fulfill their dreams and live a long healthy life. I am so excited that with your help this ability to live life the way we want to will be possible for all CF patients really soon!
Thank you to all the hardworking people at the CF Foundation, and thank you to all of you for your support!
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IMPORTANT NOTE ON ATTENDANCE AT FOUNDATION EVENTS:
Updated July 5th, 2023
The CF Foundation is committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of individuals attending Foundation events. Individuals attending CF Foundation events must abide by the Foundation's Event Attendance Policy www.cff.org/attendancepolicy, which includes guidance for event attendees living with cystic fibrosis.