Brave young fundraiser

Cure4 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Selfless. Determined. Compassionate.

Mae Johnson is in Year 12 and is planning to become a doctor.

The brave and inspirational student has cystic fibrosis, a life-threatening disorder that damages the lungs and digestive system. Her wish is to pay forward the care she has received from her doctors.

Mae is a youth ambassador of the Cure4 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and has raised more than $33,000 for research, most recently by holding Mae’s Tea Party, which 325 people attended.

She truly shines when she is sharing her story and encouraging others to adopt her positive approach to managing adversity.

Mae has had a lot to deal with at a young age, including the scars from 30 operations.

Another challenge is that people with cystic fibrosis can infect each other with a dangerous bacterium, which means people with the disease must stay apart.

“I had no connection to any other CF sufferer until very recently. This was very hard as I could not talk to anyone who knew and understood what I was going through,” Mae says.

The foundation is looking at research into a vaccine against the bacteria.

But Mae’s big hope is a cure. “It would mean we could have the same opportunities as everyone else.”

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. The Cure4 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will use its grant to fund the creation of an awareness and educational video.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here