In this piece, “In My Lungs,” I explore how cystic fibrosis (CF) has shaped my life. While CF is considered an 'invisible illness,' it has very real effects on my life, both positive and negative. A big part of my life has been sharing my journey with CF and raising awareness, and my art, specifically pieces about my life with CF, is one of my favorite ways to do so. To me, advocacy means fighting to be heard and sharing my life with those around me. I have taken part in congressional advocacy for three years, both on my own and through Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) events such as Teen Advocacy Day, which were focused on legislation such as the PASTEUR act and NIH/FDA funding. At 15 years old, I was selected as a 2025 National CFF Ambassador and was able to share my story, raise awareness, and advocate on a national platform. This piece depicts medication information, spirometry graphs, X-rays, mucus in my lungs, and the significance of breathing to those living with CF through mixed media. These elements are stitched together by a piece of thread, representing how CF ties so many elements of my life together.
Category: 2D Visual Art
Rare Disease: Cystic Fibrosis
Birth Year: 2009
