My name is Sinan, a 16-year-old from Turkey currently living in Geneva. I’ve been living with cystic fibrosis since birth and have joined this group to raise awareness and support others in similar situations.

Living with cystic fibrosis has been really tough. It’s something I’ve battled with every day, and it affects every aspect of my life. I especially faced challenges whilst growing up in Turkey, however moving to Geneva last year made my daily life easier. It has also been 7 months since I started therapy, which has improved my quality of life.

Joining the ELF Youth Group is an opportunity for me to contribute to a community that understands what it’s like to live with a lung condition. I want to be a voice for those who are unable to speak out about their struggles, and help raise awareness about the challenges we face everyday. My goal is to help fulfil the needs of other young people living with lung conditions and support them in any way I can. I want to make their lives easier.

I believe it is important to include the voices of young people in healthcare because having access to accurate information can empower us to make informed decisions about our health and future. I also want all patients to have access to all the available treatments no matter what country they live in. By sharing my experiences, I hope to make a difference, and let others know that they are not alone in this journey. Together, our advocacy could significantly enhance the drug development process.