Meet the Founder
Angela Ruggeri is 34 years old and lives with Cystic Fibrosis. She was diagnosed at 6 months old and, since then she fights for every breath she takes. Brought up by two loving parents, they continue to do everything possible to keep her a winner against this disease. She has an amazing circle of unconditional love that surrounds her and keeps her strong. Family and friends are always by her side, through the good and the bad. Angela is a beautiful young lady, whose smile brightens up a room. Her spirit and strength are inspiring to all who have the pleasure of knowing her. She believes that her CF is a "blessing in disguise." It has taught her the importance of living each day to the fullest, appreciating each breath, and doing her best to do as much good as she can. Angela is committed to bringing some sunshine into the lives of others with CF as others have done for her.
Angela's parents have always been proactive. They quickly learned before she could even remember the importance of physiotherapy to keep the lungs clear, pancreatic enzymes, antibiotics, and nutrition. They literally did everything in their power to keep their child alive. Now as an adult living with Cystic Fibrosis, Angela truly understands the importance of the medications, nutrition, and exercise that she cannot take for granted. She also understands the financial requirements that make it possible for a CF patient to attain what is needed to stay alive. Over the years, Angela has come to realize that not everyone with Cystic Fibrosis has been as fortunate as herself. Sadly, she personally knows individuals, one including her best friend, who passed away from the disease, who perhaps with the needed finances could have gotten what they needed and still be alive today.
Although Angela is devoted to her brainchild Breathe Believe, she also dedicates a great deal of time to assist other organizations which help touch the lives of others. Angela and her family have been involved with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for many years. Her parents started their involvement with the CF Foundation soon after their Angela was diagnosed. As years passed and Angela got older, she became an active participant in the CF Foundation, doing everything she could to help. For the past four years, she has been the "Family Chair" and has served on the committee for the Great Strides walk, which is one of the CF Foundation's largest annual fundraising events. Angela dedicates much time and effort, for she knows how crucial the CF Foundation's funds are for research in the race to find a cure.
Angela has also been involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation for the past nine years. Having been granted a wish from Make-A-Wish at the age of 17, Angela realized the powerful affect this had on her. From this positive experience she was inspired to give back. As a member of the "Wish Alumni," Angela has become an advocate for Make-A-Wish. She has been a guest speaker at many of their major fundraising events over the years. At her latest speaking invitation she was quoted "My next wish is to one day touch as many lives as Make-A-Wish has". Angela is determined to build the success of her foundation, Breathe Believe on her faith and principles she has gained throughout her life.
"If one person breathes easier because I lived, I will have succeeded."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
