Voices of Experience: Share Your CF Story with Impact!
- rebecca5521
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
CF Senior Saturday Meet & Greet May 2025 Event Recap
We were thrilled to welcome Nicholas Kelly MS, RD, LD as the guest speaker for this months CF Senior Saturday session. In a dynamic and personal presentation, Nick shared tools, mindset shifts, and practical techniques for building confidence in public speaking—especially when telling your own story.
Key Takeaways
Preparation is key: Use “touchpoints” to stay focused and flexible without memorizing every word.
Rehearse with intention: Practice out loud, slowly, and with others who can offer feedback.
Avoid common pitfalls: Don’t open with “Can you hear me?” or rely on gimmicks—start strong and authentic.
Own your story: You are the expert on your experience. Speak with clarity and purpose.
Presence matters: Use eye contact, gestures, and pauses to connect with your audience.
Nick’s Pro Tips
Warm up your voice with exercises.
Slow your pace during practice to account for nerves speeding you up on stage.
Use a “pump-up song” before speaking to boost energy and focus.
Opportunities
For coaching, webinars, or to connect with Nick, visit: https://nicholaskellyrd.com
Nick offered special rates to the CF Senior Saturday attendees:
50% off one-on-one coaching
25% referral bonus
Free discovery calls for first-time clients
Inspirational Thought:
“Public speaking is not a gift—it’s a skill. With the right tools and preparation, anyone can do it well.” — Nick Kelly
Community Collaboration Highlights
Breathe Strong CF – “Step Into Spring” Campaign
Georgia introduced the May fitness fundraiser benefiting exercise grants for the CF community.
Participation: Free for individuals with CF (via scholarship); others can join with a minimum $10 donation. To learn more about the campaign visit: https://www.charityfootprints.com/BreatheStrongCF
Challenge: Commit to a daily step goal throughout May to promote movement and wellness.
Impact: Proceeds fund exercise grants—up to $750 per year—for those with CF. Grants are awarded based on need (not income) and can be used for fitness equipment, personal training, sports fees, and more, supporting active and healthy lifestyles.
CF Roundtable – Updates from the U.S. Adult CF Association
Colleen shared that CF Roundtable, a publication written by and for adults with CF, is currently transitioning to a twice-yearly format.
To read past publications visit: https://www.cfroundtable.com/newsletter-s
While full issues are paused, blogs and articles will continue to be posted.
Topics covered include disaster preparedness, CF and cancer, and more.
Check out the webinar Social Security Disability and SSI benefits: https://youtu.be/NnHL45m2AHU?feature=shared
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation – New Guide
“An Introduction to Cystic Fibrosis For Patients and Their Families” 11th edition
A valuable free resource for people with CF, caregivers, and families and useful for those diagnosed later in life.
Printed copies can be requested through your CF care team or email resources@cff.org to inquire further.
CFRI – National CF Education Conference & Adult Retreat
CFRI’s National CF Education Conference is July 25 – 27, 2025
To learn more about the hybrid conference, agenda and registration: https://www.cfri.org/education-support/national-cf-conference/
CF Adult Summer Retreat is August 14 - 19, 2025 (Virtual)
The retreat includes in-person and virtual tracks, offering accessible community engagement for all.
Learn more: https://www.cfri.org/education-support/cfri-community-retreats/
CF Adult Retreat Fundraiser: “Love Heals” T-shirts are available now.
Proceeds support the retreat and CF community programs.
https://www.bonfire.com/loveheals-supportcfri-cf-retreats2025
Halite Solutions Group – Website Enhancements Now Live
The Halite Solutions Group website has been updated with new features and resources designed to support the CF community:
CF Senior Saturday Meeting Recaps: Access comprehensive summaries from each session, including direct links to resources, tools, and key community highlights.
FREE Download: CF Navigator – Personal Health Toolkit
Created in partnership with the Aging with CF Special Interest Group, this customizable toolkit helps individuals with CF organize and manage their health information in one easy-to-use document.
Aging with CF Fundraiser - Tote with Purpose
Show your support for aging-related CF initiatives by purchasing a "Tote with Purpose" bag. Proceeds go toward projects developed by the Aging with CF Special Interest Group to improve quality of life for adults aging with CF.
Stay connected and informed by following Halite Solutions Group on: