The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is proud to announce the selection of Kirk Astroth, an adult with cystic fibrosis, and Brittney Householder, godmother of a teen living with CF, as its new National Volunteer Advocacy Committee co-chairs. They succeed Jeremy and Rachel Olimb, parents of three sons with CF, and Marissa Benchea, an adult with CF, who served a three-year term beginning in 2022.
The Foundation’s National Volunteer Advocacy Committee provides guidance and support to further strengthen and enhance the Foundation’s national and state advocacy efforts. As co-chairs, Kirk and Brittney will lead the committee and stand at the forefront of advocacy and education campaigns that support people living with CF.
“Brittney and Kirk represent the range of experiences in the CF community. Their leadership highlights the importance of amplifying the unique challenges and perspectives of all people with CF and their loved ones,” said Mary Dwight, senior vice president and chief policy and advocacy officer of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. “Both Brittney and Kirk believe advocacy fosters a stronger, more connected community — built on shared experiences and collective action — and can catalyze meaningful change. That belief is necessary as we push forward with new therapies and advancements in CF care.”
About Kirk Astroth
When Kirk, a 73-year-old living with cystic fibrosis, received a late diagnosis in his 40s, he quickly immersed himself in the CF community. He currently serves as the leader of the advocate community in his district (also known as a Congressional Captain) and participates in the annual fundraiser ROSEUP. Kirk is passionate about encouraging more adults with CF to engage in advocacy and is excited to keep making a meaningful impact.
“This is a critical time in our country for both science and research, so every effort to educate our elected officials about the importance of scientific advances toward a cure for cystic fibrosis is paramount,” Kirk Astroth said. “I am honored to co-chair the National Volunteer Advocacy Committee and lead the cystic fibrosis community in advocacy efforts to protect our progress and promote expanding efforts in treatments, therapies, new drugs, and genetic breakthroughs to advance toward a cure.”
About Brittney Householder
Brittney is the godmother of a teenager with CF and a passionate advocate within the CF community. She is a Congressional Captain and has been a National Volunteer Advocacy Committee member since 2020. As the first co-chair without a biological tie to CF, Brittney represents one of the many different types of connections the CF community has.
“The power of the CF community coming together with one voice is one of the most awe-inspiring things I’ve seen. I’m thrilled to work alongside my new friend Kirk and contribute to the great legacy of the incredible advocates that have come before me,” Brittney Householder said. “By advocating, we pay tribute to the original cystic fibrosis families; they saw a need, spoke up, and refused to back down. There’s no doubt in my mind that we’ve done them proud and will continue to do so until CF stands for cure found!”
About Advocating With the CF Foundation
As part of the Foundation’s mission to cure cystic fibrosis and ensure that all people living with CF have access to a cure, the CF Foundation advocates for policies and programs that promote access to highly specialized CF care and advance research and drug development.
In February, more than 150 advocates, including nearly 25 adults living with cystic fibrosis, called on Congress to protect the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and Medicaid during the Foundation’s 18th annual March on the Hill. Additionally, more than 3,000 community members from 49 states and the District of Columbia participated in the Foundation’s Online Day of Action. Advocates sent more than 9,300 messages to their lawmakers, amplifying the community’s collective voice on the Hill.
Interested in adding your voice to the CF community’s robust advocacy base? Sign up for the Foundation's advocacy alerts.