Finding a Way Forward: Lance's WPP Journey

When you live with cystic fibrosis, the question is rarely whether you want to work. It is how.

For Lance, that question has shaped much of his adult life.

Lance is a 29-year-old adult with cystic fibrosis living in Texas. Like many people with CF, his health has influenced nearly every major decision he has had to make. He attended college and studied history and anthropology, but worsening health eventually forced him to withdraw. A brief attempt to balance school and part-time work proved unsustainable, and his focus had to shift back to managing his disease.

Today, Lance’s health is stable, but stable does not mean simple. CF limits his physical endurance, increases his risk of infection, and makes traditional in-person employment unsafe. He currently receives SSI, but the income is minimal and comes with strict limits that make financial independence feel just out of reach.

“I need to be able to contribute more,” Lance shared in his application. “Not just financially, but to live a meaningful life.”

That desire to participate, to contribute, to build something sustainable is what led Lance to apply to Claire’s Place Foundation’s Work Proudly Program.

Why the Work Proudly Program Exists

The Work Proudly Program was created to address a gap that far too many adults with CF face. Advances in medicine are helping people live longer, fuller lives, but systems around employment, insurance, and disability benefits have not caught up.

People with CF are often capable, motivated, and ready to work, yet blocked by rigid job structures, health risks, and fear of losing essential medical coverage.

Work Proudly offers individualized, remote-friendly career support designed specifically for people navigating chronic illness. The program helps participants explore realistic career paths, build confidence, develop job search skills, and move toward flexible work that supports both health and independence. Employment is never guaranteed, but dignity, possibility, and support always are.

Why Now Is the Right Time for Lance

In his application, Lance shared something we hear often but never take lightly. His health is stable, and for the first time, he is planning for a future he once was not sure he would have.

He is also in a committed relationship and thinking about what it means to show up as a partner, a contributor, and a capable adult on his own terms.

Lance is seeking part-time, remote work that allows him to protect his health while slowly building independence. He is realistic about his limits, open about his challenges, and clear about his willingness to put in the work. He is ready to dedicate up to 20 to 30 hours per week to job training, skill building, and career development. This is a meaningful commitment for someone balancing daily treatments and medical care.

Supported by Viatris

Lance’s journey with the Work Proudly Program is proudly supported by Viatris, whose partnership helps make stories like his possible.

Viatris believes in expanding access, dignity, and opportunity for people living with chronic illness. Their support allows Claire’s Place Foundation to meet individuals like Lance where they are, not with assumptions, but with personalized guidance, patience, and hope.

Because of partners like Viatris, the Work Proudly Program can continue to grow, reaching adults with CF who are ready to take their next step but cannot do it alone.

At the Beginning, Not the Finish Line

Lance is newly accepted into the Work Proudly Program. He is at the very start of this process, learning, exploring, and building toward a future that works for him.

And that matters.

Too often, we only tell stories once the ending is clear. At Claire’s Place, we believe the beginning deserves just as much care.

Because showing up at the starting line takes courage.

We are honored to walk alongside Lance as he takes this next step and grateful to Viatris for standing with us as we support adults with CF in living and working proudly.