January, 2008

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - Northeast Texas Chapter Volunteers

 

This essay was presented by Adam Andrea, son of Rudy and Christina Andrea, to culminate the volunteer recognition event on January 17, 2008 sponsored by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

 

My Impact on the World

by Adam Andrea

My goal in life is to find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. This is a disease that I have become acquainted with through my family, who has supported the research for curing this terrible disease for the past 10 years.  Personally, we have taken an interest in finding a cure for Cystic Fibrosis after being introduced to a young 14-year-old girl named Katie. Katie was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at the early age of 8.  My family has always supported and donated towards medical research and finding cures for diseases. 

Since I was young, my parents always taught me to give back to others. They reminded me that we were blessed with health and it is our duty to give time and money towards important causes. After meeting Katie, I realized that I could have easily been in her place and have been born with Cystic Fibrosis.  This terrible disease affects the lungs and breathing patterns, leaving the average life span of 35 years old. As Katie and I grow older, I am even more anxious to find a cure for her and the others that have this sad disease. 

As I get older, I am trying to plan out how I can really make a difference. I have thoughts of wanting to go to medical school at Harvard or University of Texas. I would like to major in Pre-Med with an emphasis in medical research on pulmonary diseases. This would bring me closer to trying to help solve and find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. I realize there are already many scientists and doctors researching a cure, but maybe just one more person (me) would help find a cure. 

After completing medical school, I would like to practice here in Plano, Texas.  The reason I like Plano is that my family has started our roots here and my parents have already established a foundation for this disease. They help raise money and donate money to this disease and I see myself continuing their mission to find a cure I would like to be a part of a practice with other doctors who were motivated to find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. This is a never-ending cause that needs more attention.

In conclusion, I want to make an impact and become a good man, but also make a difference in the lives of those affected by Cystic Fibrosis. My parents always tell me to go into something in life that is meaningful to me and that makes a true difference for others in the world. I can't imagine a better thing to do than to help others as they battle this awful disease. Every day, Katie has to battle and go to breathing treatments in order to manage her disease. I hope my goal comes true to benefit my dream and the hopes of others dealing with Cystic Fibrosis.

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