Before February of this year, I had no clue what Cystic Fibrosis (CF) was. I had never even heard of the disease. This is not uncommon; CF is not a very well-known disease. CF is a disease that creates an abnormal amount of mucus in the lungs, pancreas and other organs. This can cause breathing problems and many lung infections for most patients. Doctors have yet to find a cure, and most people with CF only live to their late 30's.

In February, I was a freshman at the University of Kentucky. Coming to college was my first time being away from home for long periods of time, and it was terrifying. I had decided to come home for a weekend, because I had not been home since Christmas Break, and I missed my family. Before I left to come back to school, my parents had sat me down and explained to me that my two-year-old niece, Abbagail, has CF. I realized this was serious when I saw the look on my mom's face. When they first told me this, I had a lot of questions. Like I said, I had no idea what this was and how it affected her.

Both of my parents comforted me and explained everything that they knew about CF. I had already been having a hard time being away from home, and this news made it worse. This made it even harder to go back to school because I did not know if something was going to happen to her while I was gone. This was the toughest moment of my life.

Since her diagnosis, my family has done as much as they can to inform others about CF. We raised money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and walked for the foundation in May of this year. Abby had the greatest time at the walk. It was great seeing all of these strong individuals who also have CF. Being at the walk gave me hope for Abby's future.

Even though she has had countless hospital visits in the last nine months, she has always been strong. She does her treatments and goes to her hospital visits without complaining. She is the strongest little girl I know. She is the light of my life and I would not know what to do without her.

I am so thankful for all of the support she has from everyone. My family and friends are so strong when it comes to her. I would not be able to get through this without them. I am ecstatic that she has two of the bravest people I know as her parents. They never let this situation get them down and they always look at the best of things. My parents have also played a big role in Abby's life by making sure she has everything she needs.

Since February, I have been able to really understand what CF is. I have learned a lot, but I am still learning new things every day. Abby might have Cystic Fibrosis, but that doesn't mean she is unable to be a normal kid. She has an amazing support system and I have hope that a cure will be found. Even if a cure isn't found, she will still be able to have a normal life by doing her treatments and going to her hospital visits.