Christina’s Summer at Cystic Fibrosis Canada

In the summer of 2024, Christina Robert joined Cystic Fibrosis Canada as summer student, as part of completing her practicum. During her time at CF Canada, Christina immersed herself in various projects that deepened her understanding of cystic fibrosis and its impact on individuals and families. Christina shared her experiences, the projects she worked on, and the insights she gained during her time at CF Canada.  

Christina came across the opportunity to join the CF Canada team this past summer while searching for a practicum to complete her Master of Public Health (MPH). She was hired by  Jana Kocourek, Program Director, Healthcare, CF Canada. Christina’s primary responsibilities were to support various initiatives and develop resources across the organization in support of the CF community, working closely with Kim Steele, Director of Government & Community Relations.  

Throughout the summer, she contributed to the annual Walk To Make Cystic Fibrosis History  by supporting the development of key advocacy content given out at different Walk locations, helping to engage community members with the most up-to-date information. Also supporting advocacy, Christina played a role in reaching out to the CF community to participate in a survey conducted around the burden of CF, helping identify where families and individuals are most affected by living with a fatal disease. Christina worked with healthcare team members to develop mental health resources, and implement resources for the 2SLGBTQI+ community living with CF.  

“Before my position at CF Canada,” says Christina, “I had a limited understanding of cystic fibrosis and its impact. However, as I helped with the Walk and listened to advocates share their stories, I gained a much deeper appreciation for the day-to-day challenges faced by individuals living with CF and their families. I learned about the isolation that often accompanies living with CF and the critical role of community and healthcare support.”  

She also noted that her favourite project to work on was the 2SLGBTQI+ tipsheet, “This was a particularly sensitive and important project, as it aimed to help clinicians better understand and serve 2SLGBTQI+ patients. It was the most hands-on and independent project I worked on, and it allowed me to make a real difference.”  

While working as a summer student at CF Canada this summer, Christina was able to shape her future aspirations and career goals. Witnessing the impact that CF Canada has had on people living with CF, Christina has been inspired to pursue a career focusing on aging and health while exploring ways to improve the quality of life for people with chronic conditions as they age. Beyond her career aspirations, Christina was also able to deepen and expand her interpersonal professional skills specifically developing her collaboration and teamwork skills due to the collaborative environment at CF Canada.  

 “Working in a non-profit organization offers a unique and deeply fulfilling experience where you can feel and see the change. There is more motivation since you are working towards a cause and, in the case of CF Canada, you are helping to impact people and their families tremendously.” She encourages potential summer students to keep an eye out for opportunities with CF Canada to contribute to the ongoing efforts to create a world W/O Limits for Canadians living with CF.