Meet the 2022 Scholars

"2022 marks the 30th anniversary of the AbbVie CF Scholarship. As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to continuing to recognize more students pursing their educational goals. Please share your future ambitions in the Cystic Fibrosis community, professionally and personally."

When I was born in 2004, newborn screenings for cystic fibrosis were not universal across the United States. Patients weren’t expected to survive long into adulthood, and a hope for a cure seemed like a faraway dream. However, during just the last 18 years of my life, I have been fortunate to benefit from numerous advancements in the treatment of CF and prevention of future disease progression. Thanks to the incredible efforts of countless brave patients and families who have come before me, along with years of dedicated research by doctors and scientists, I can honestly say that I am looking forward to a long, healthy life. Although CF will always be a big part of who I am, I will not let the disease define me or impede my future dreams, and I truly believe there will be a cure within my lifetime. As I transition into adulthood and start the next chapter of my life in college, I frequently contemplate the many ways I can participate in the Cystic Fibrosis community, both personally and professionally, in order to pay it forward and create positive change in the future. Specifically, I hope to be involved in four different ways. First, I plan to personally participate in the adult CF online community to give and receive support to other individuals with CF. Many new issues arise in adulthood for CF patients, from dealing with insurance companies and keeping up with treatments, to fertility issues and starting a family. Although I cannot connect with other CF patients in person, I believe it’s extremely valuable to support one another virtually. Next, as a Mexican American, I would like to advocate for further research and support for Hispanic cystic fibrosis patients and their families. Although CF was originally considered solely a Caucasian disease, there are thousands of Latinos like myself living in the U.S. with CF. Recent studies have shown that the mortality rate among Hispanic CF patients is much higher than in Caucasians. This disparity must be investigated and changed, and additional resources are needed for Hispanic patients. I also plan to use my career in science to help educate young CF patients about how their medications and treatments specifically work within their bodies. Until taking Anatomy & Physiology in high school, I truly had not understood the pathophysiology of CF or how my different medications function. Having this knowledge now helps me appreciate the importance of my daily treatment regimen. Educating young members of the CF community is vital so they can take responsibility for a healthier future. Finally, throughout my career, I plan to promote and lead CF fundraising efforts for continued scientific research in order to find a cure. I will also continue to participate in clinical studies when the opportunity arises at my CF clinic. I believe that my individual efforts, partnered with the efforts of other members of the CF Community, will turn the dream of a cure for CF into reality in the near future.