Brad Dell
Brad lives in Santa Cruz, Calif. as a freelance writer and editor. He graduated from the University of Hawaii with degrees in history and journalism. When not writing small business profiles and cystic fibrosis awareness pieces, Brad is serving as president of the Northern California Chapter of The Lung Transplant Foundation. He's also hiking, rock climbing, and traveling to celebrate his 2017 lung transplant. Follow Brad at his blog, Adamantium Joy, or on his Facebook page.
Lea Faraone
Lea was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at 3 years. She earned her bachelor's degree in Biology from Mount Saint Mary's University, and a bachelor's degree in Nursing from Johns Hopkins University. Lea works as an infusion nurse and volunteers as the national ambassador for Great Strides, the co-chair of Baltimore Great Strides, and CF ambassador for the CF Foundation Maryland Chapter. Follow Lea and her friend Tiffany as they spread awareness about CF on Instagram, @SaltyCysters, or on Facebook, Salty Cysters. You can also follow Lea on Instagram, @Leaf7790.
Ray Poole
Ray’s wife Rebecca was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at 6 months old. He holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical and materials engineering, an MBA, and was named Milwaukee's Finest in 2013. He is currently a member of the Cincinnati CFF leadership board and chairs their Tomorrow's Leaders program. Ray wrote a book about what he learned being a “CF Cornerman” after Rebecca suffered respiratory failure and then survived on a ventilator for 6 months before receiving a life-saving lung transplant. To find his book, TEDx talk, or Hospital Comfort Kit visit his website at CFCornerman.com.
Joseph M. Pilewski, MD
Dr. Pilewski has a longstanding interest in Cystic Fibrosis and other diseases causing bronchiectasis and bronchiolitis. He is Co-director of the Adult Cystic Fibrosis program at the Antonio J. and Janet Palumbo CF Center at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Dr. Pilewski’s other focus is lung transplantation, with special interest in patients with suppurative lung diseases like CF. He has been Medical Director of the Lung Transplant Program at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center since 2004.
Fanny Vlahos
Fanny Vlahos is a CF patient who underwent a double lung transplant in May of 2012. She holds degrees in English Language and Literature with Honors and Canadian and American Law. She is a licensed attorney in Illinois and also holds a real estate broker license. Fanny is committed to advocating on behalf of the CF community through her volunteer work with the CFF. She is a member of the Steering Committee at the national level to establish policy guidelines for lung transplant centers, a member of the Illinois chapter's Advocacy Committee, a blogger and advocate for health care reform both nationally and locally.
Born in Canada to Greek immigrant parents, Fanny now lives in the Chicago area with her husband, their rescue dog and their son, who is, quite literally, her reason to keeping breathing and living life passionately.
