October 2026
Conocimiento y Conexión
Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 5:00 pm PT (8:00 pm ET)
This monthly meeting takes place on the second Wednesday of every month and offers attendees a chance to address the unique issues faced by Hispanic/Latinx individuals and families affected by CF. The group is open to adults with CF as well as family members of adults and children with CF. The group is held in Spanish and facilitated by Marilyn Calderon, LICSW.
For more information and to register, send an email to CFRI.
All 2026 CFRI support groups are supported by Viatris, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Genentech, the Boomer Esiason Foundation, private donors and bequests.
CFRI’s Breath of Fresh Air Gala
Saturday, October 17, 2026, 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm PT
Join us to raise awareness, celebrate groundbreaking research and honor our 2026 CF Champion, Jacquelyn Spano, DNP, RN, of Stanford. Held at the historic Hillsborough Racquet Club in Hillsborough, CA, the gala invites you to delight in a night of inspiration, including a luxury auction, music, dancing and an exceptional dinner with fine wine and spirits. Individual tickets are $150 per person. Sponsorship opportunities available.
Sponsored to date by Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Viatris, and Citizens Business Bank.
Support Group for Adults with CF
Monday, October 19, 2026, 5:30 pm PT
CFRI provides a monthly Online Support Group for Adults with CF, 
which is open to participants nationwide. The group is facilitated by Meg Dvorak, LCSW, or Kate Yablonsky, LCSW. The group meets on the third Monday of every month, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm PT (8:30 pm – 10:00 pm ET).
Register here for the Support Group for Adults with CF.
Please allow 3-4 hours before the meeting to register. If you registered before, you don’t need to do it again.
All 2026 CFRI support groups are supported by Viatris, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Genentech, the Boomer Esiason Foundation, private donors and bequests.
CF Caregivers Support Groups
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
CFRI provides a monthly online CF Caregivers Support Group, which is open to 
participants nationwide. The groups are facilitated by Meg Dvorak, LCSW, or Kate Yablonsky, LCSW.
Two groups to choose from:
- Parents of children with CF: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm PT
- Parents/Spouses/Partners of Adults with CF:
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm PT
Register here for the Caregivers Support Group for parents of children with CF.
Register here for the Caregivers Support Group for parents/spouses/partners of adults with CF.
Please allow 3-4 hours before the meeting to register. If you registered before, you don’t need to do it again.
All 2026 CFRI support groups are supported by Viatris, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Genentech, the Boomer Esiason Foundation, private donors and bequests.
CF Teen Connection
Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 5:30 pm PT (8:30 pm ET)
CFRI’s virtual hangout for individuals with CF between the ages of 13 and 17. Meet other teens with CF, learn more about topics directly impacting you, and engage in fun activities that foster connection. Whether you want to come and share or just listen, the choice is completely up to you and based on your level of comfort. Facilitated by CF Social Worker Teresa Priestley, MSW. Parents must provide consent for their teenagers to attend.
To sign up and join the next hangout, send an email to Holly @ CFRI.
All 2026 CFRI support groups are supported by Viatris, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Genentech, the Boomer Esiason Foundation, private donors and bequests.
Support Group for Those Unable to Use CFTR Modulators
Thursday, October 22, 2026, 5:00 pm PT
About 10% of people with CF cannot benefit from current CFTR modulators – due to their genetic mutation, side effects of the treatment, or other reasons. Being part of that group poses unique mental health challenges. The group is facilitated by Sonya Haggett, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker who has CF.
Register here for this Support Group.
You will only have to register once to attend any meeting.
All 2026 CFRI support groups are supported by Viatris, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Genentech, the Boomer Esiason Foundation, private donors and bequests.
Support Group for Adults with CF Post-Transplant
Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 5:00 pm PT
This support group addresses the unique issues faced by those with CF who have received a double lung transplant and is open to post-transplant CF adults only. The group is facilitated by Sonya Haggett, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker who has CF and is a double lung transplant recipient.
Register here for the Transplant Support Group.
You will only have to register once to attend any meeting.
All 2026 CFRI support groups are supported by Viatris, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Genentech, the Boomer Esiason Foundation, private donors and bequests.
For information or to register for these events, please email cfri@cfri.org or call 650.665.7576.