Jamila’s Story: 47 Years of Strength with Cystic Fibrosis

For 47 years, Jamila has lived with cystic fibrosis — a journey filled with both resilience and hardship. A few years ago, she underwent ostomy surgery and later a reversal, and for a time she thought she was doing better. But in the past year, her health declined again, leading to repeated hospitalizations that kept her from working.

“Within the last year or so, I have been sick in and out of the hospital and that has prevented me from working. And so I reached out to Claire’s Foundation a couple of months ago because I was not working at all.”

Through our Extended Hospital Stay Grant Program, Claire’s Place Foundation was able to cover Jamila’s rent for a month — easing her financial burden and giving her space to focus on recovery.

Jamila shared, “It’s really a blessing when somebody takes the time out to reach out and support you financially. And it has been a great benefit… I truly appreciate that Claire’s Foundation was able to reach out to me and give me some monetary support.”

Her story is a powerful reminder of why our programs exist: to give people living with CF the chance to breathe a little easier, knowing their community is standing beside them.