Sophie Backes St Louis College of Pharmacy Columbia, MO “I’ve learned that with determination you can overcome the obstacles that stand in your way and accomplish whatever you dream of doing.” Kerry Elizabeth Bannon Union College Hartford, CT “I embrace CF as a part of who I am, without allowing it to control my life.  It has taught me discipline through healthcare in addition to helping me succeed in piano, track and academics.”   Heather Lynn Berry Kansas State University Kansas City, MO "CF has taught me to take advantage of opportunities when they arise, seek adventure and new experiences, and, most of all, to live life to the fullest.” April Biggs Sarah Lawrence College or The New School New York, NY "Despite CF, I have learned to love my life just as it is.  Though CF is a part of my daily activities, I push the disease to its limits instead of letting it hold me back.”     Mary E. Clark Pike's Peak Community College Denver, CO "CF has taught me many things about life including that, with hard work and persistence, you can make your dreams come true.” Bridget Deuschle Truman State University Kansas City, MO "CF has acted as a catalyst by pushing me to achieve more goals and overcome more of life’s obstacles than I had once thought possible.”   Abigail Dwyer Princeton University Rochester, NY "I truly believe that everything happens for a reason.  If you do the best you can with what you’re dealt, everything will turn out okay in the end.” Jason Fick Penn State University Baltimore, MD "I’ve learned to work with CF.  I will continue my passion for writing music, whether in school or a hospital bed. CF won’t stop me.”   Paula Fripp Cuyamaca College La Jolla, CA "CF has not only made me a strong person, but also taught me to love and appreciate life to the fullest.  It’s made me determined to make the most out of my life and enjoy every step of the way.” Karen S. Gipple Iowa State University Des Moines, IA "Even with a serious disease like CF, friendship and a normal life are not difficult to achieve.  With commitment, you can still have fun and make your dreams come true.”   Steven John Graham San Joaquin College of Law Oakland, CA "CF has taught me more about patience, empathy and being conscientious.  But most importantly, it has taught me to live a strong life.” Shayne T. Haustveit University of Mary Bismark, ND "CF has taught me to treasure each day and all the opportunities with which I’m presented.  Most of all, I’ve learned the meaning of ‘Carpe Diem’ – Sieze the day!  Live it up!”   Caroline Alyse Henry Houghton College Hartford, CT "Having CF has shown me that there’s much more to a person than their genetic make-up.  It shouldn’t affect your life – you can still be whatever you want to be.” Gregory Phillip Johnson University of Texas at Austin Dallas, TX "Living with CF is a daily challenge, but I’ve learned not to let it affect the things I want to do in life or limit my horizons.”   Summer Hope Katz University of Central Florida Orlando, FL "CF has created my desire and motivation to live, love and encourage others to see that miracles are what hopes and dreams are made of.”