Cure4CF Update
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Why D-Day Matters: Sophia’s Story
As D-Day approaches, we spoke with Cure4CF supporter and advocate Sophia Leopardi about her family’s journey with cystic fibrosis, the power of research, and why this day of giving has become so important to her, her daughter Remy, and the community that surrounds them.
Finding Strength in Connection
Sophia’s daughter, Remy, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as a baby — a moment she describes as life-altering in ways she never expected.
“Like so many families, we were thrown into a world that felt overwhelming,” she recalls. “Complex treatment routines, new medical language, and an unknown future. What I’ve learned since that day is that while CF is complex, our connection to each other is simple. It’s the people who walk beside you — family, friends, clinicians, and other parents — who help you find strength and clarity in the chaos.”
That clarity led Sophia to see research not just as science, but as hope.
“Research transforms fear into something we can face. The more we understand about CF, the closer we get to giving our children a different kind of future.”
Why D-Day Matters to Her Family
For Sophia, Cure4CF represents action — a way to channel her hope for Remy into meaningful impact.
“Each D-Day reminds me that we’re part of a much larger team,” she says. “Families, workplaces, supporters — all of us determined to change what it means to live with CF.”
That sense of community turns uncertainty into momentum.
“It’s easy to feel helpless when faced with a lifelong condition, but D-Day gives that emotion direction and purpose. It’s our way of saying we believe in better — and we’re willing to do the work to get there.”
A Future Reimagined Through Research
Sophia speaks with deep pride about the strength and spirit of her daughter.
“Remy makes it impossible not to hope. Watching her grow and adapt reminds me why the science matters so much.”
Their family is grateful for Remy’s care team at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, but Sophia knows breakthroughs are what will truly change her daughter’s future. Gene modulators, gene-editing approaches, early cancer detection tools — these advancements are redefining what’s possible.
“The day she was diagnosed, our vision for our family felt shattered. Research is how we’ve started piecing that vision back together. It allows us to dream again — to imagine her one day saying, ‘I used to have CF.’”
Why Research Funding Is Essential
Sophia believes research is the turning point in the fight against CF.
“Research is what changes the story. Without it, families like ours remain at the mercy of treatments that manage symptoms rather than address the cause.”
Every breakthrough begins with funding — the kind D-Day helps make possible.
“Cure4CF’s work is about driving the next leap. Research means time, and for many families, time is everything.”
The arrival of Trikafta for Australian families strengthened this belief.
“It shows what’s possible when research and advocacy align. It’s a glimpse of a future where kids like Remy have more options, more health, more life.”
The Power of Community — At Work and Beyond
Sophia has been a passionate D-Day advocate within her workplace, design by WBL.
“Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do — and CF is, in many ways, a team sport. When I shared our story, my colleagues immediately wanted to be part of the solution.”
For the studio, supporting D-Day has become more than an annual event.
“There’s a real sense of pride and purpose. It’s become part of our culture, bringing us together as people who care. It’s opened conversations about resilience, empathy, and the power of community.”
A Message to Anyone Thinking About Supporting D-Day
Sophia’s advice is simple: start.
“You don’t need a personal connection to make a difference. Every post, every donation, every conversation amplifies hope. It all counts.”
She hopes donors understand the profound emotional impact their support has on families.
“Your support tells us we’re not alone. And that’s everything.”
Why This Cause Matters
For Sophia, the heart of this movement is connection.
“CF might be rare, but its ripple effect is vast. It challenges not just the body, but the spirit of everyone it touches. Supporting research isn’t just about treatment; it’s about giving people back their dreams, their health, and their time.”
And her message for families, workplaces, and communities considering getting involved is clear:
“When we come together — families, scientists, workplaces, communities — we move mountains. And in the world of CF, that’s exactly what’s needed.”
Sophia’s story is a powerful reminder that while CF is relentless, so is the community fighting for change. On D-Day, every donation is doubled — accelerating the research that families like hers are counting on.
Donate for double impact this D-Day
Become a corporate partner and help drive long-term change, email gemma@cure4cf.org