Editor’s Note: This article was originally written and shared with us by Caleigh Haber.

This day hits really close to home for me.

I was born with Cystic Fibrosis in the era before gene modulators existed, but during a time when there was a huge explosion of research, innovation, and new treatments for CF. The reality is that many of those medications are the reason I am alive today.

And if you’re thinking, “But you still needed a transplant,” that’s true. My disease progression was severe even with these therapies available to me.

But the harder truth is that without the progress made through clinical trials and research, I likely would not have lived long enough to even reach adulthood.

That’s the reality for so many people living with complex and life-threatening diseases, and it’s why this work matters so deeply.

Today I’m thinking about the patients and families who said yes to research while navigating incredibly difficult circumstances. The clinicians, coordinators, nurses, scientists, researchers, advocacy organizations, and every person working behind the scenes to move medicine forward.

Clinical trials are built on hope, trust, courage, and collaboration. Because of that work, people like me are living longer, fuller, healthier lives than generations before us could have imagined.

To everyone helping push science and medicine forward: thank you. Your work matters more than words can fully capture. 💙

#InternationalClinicalTrialsDay #ClinicalResearch #CysticFibrosis #Healthcare #RareDisease #PatientAdvocacy #MedicalResearch