The CFSF was founded in June of 1999 in Evanston, Illinois by Mary Kay Bottorff, a parent of two, the older of which, a boy, was diagnosed with CF at six months of age.  When he was born in 1982, his life expectancy was the late teens or early 20's.  Despite a low life expectancy at his birth, the dream of Mary Kay and her husband was for their son to one day be a college graduate.  Twenty-two years later, that dream has become a reality.  In June of 2003, their son graduated from Indiana University with a dual-degree in Philosophy and Cognitive Science, and is currently enrolled in graduate school at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he continues to study philosophy, and is working towards a PhD.  However, not all young adults with CF are so fortunate. 

As we all know, education beyond the high school level is by no means an inexpensive endeavor these days, and it is only harder for young adults with CF due to the often high cost of maintaining their health.  It was to help all these young adults achieve their dreams and goals that Mary Kay decided to create the CFSF.  By providing financial aid, the CFSF gives many young adults with CF opportunities they may not have had otherwise, or just makes their college experience much better by relieving some of the financial pressure, thus giving the students more time to study, keep up their health, and enjoy their college experience. 

Past Winners:

"Thank you again for the scholarship! It has played a critical part in my being able to attend college, and it has made my college experience easier for me as well as my parents.  May God bless you for your generosity."  - Heather

"As I am sure they have for others, these additional funds have taken a tremendous amount of pressure off of the shoulders of my supportive parents and myself by allotting me more time for respiratory treatments and health care that are so vital in sustaining my current health, that would have been spent on extra work hours."  - Melissa

"I do not know how to express my gratitude.  You are helping many students such as myself achieve their dreams... I hope that I can make you proud and put your contribution to use keeping other children healthy and help them reach their dreams." - Scott in Medical School

Board Members:

Mary Kay Bottorff - President

Susan B. Harmon - Treasurer

Laura M. Hastings - Secretary