Youth in Philanthropy in Action—23 Years of Progress Against Cystic Fibrosis

In 2008, AFP honored Emily Schreiber with the William R. Simms Awards for Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy for her extraordinary efforts in founding Laps for CF. Diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at the age of nine, Emily transformed her personal challenge into a mission to raise awareness and funds for CF research and patient support.

Starting with a goal to raise $3,000 through a swim-a-thon, she surpassed expectations by raising nearly $60,000 in the first year. Since then, Laps for CF has grown into a nonprofit organization that has raised over $3 million, supporting CF care centers, research, and patient assistance programs.

Now, 17 years later, we catch up with Emily to reflect on her journey, the impact of her work, and what lies ahead.

Q: You put together your first fundraiser in 2003 when you were just 9 years old, after being diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. How did you get the idea to start Laps for CF, and how did you go about getting the word out and raising support—especially in a time before social media and many of the digital tools today’s youth in philanthropy rely on. 

A: I actually got the idea from a Babysitter’s Club book. The main character had a bike-a-thon. Instead of biking, I did swim team, so I morphed our fundraiser into a swim-a-thon. All of our fundraising was before the current social media era, so it was a lot of door knocking and sticking stamps on mailings. We kept trying to find ways to make our mailings more personal which is something I think peer-to-peer fundraising platforms and other digital tools convey so well. People love feeling part of the story and part of the communal effort to make real change. 

Q: Laps for CF started as a small fundraiser with individuals pledging dollar amounts for each lap you would swim. It’s now a full-fledged 501(c)3 that hosts concerts, golf tournaments, and wine tastings, in addition to swim events. Can you tell us a little bit about how you’ve expanded your fundraising efforts and your mission as the organization has grown? 

A: Fundraising has been part of my life for 23 years now, which is pretty wild! Laps for CF’s mission, and the organization itself, have grown and morphed along with the needs of the Cystic Fibrosis community. When I was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at age 9 the median life expectancy was 33 years old. The Cystic Fibrosis clinic in Birmingham, Alabama, where I lived, was in need of significant resource investment to care for patients. We poured funds into the clinic in Birmingham to make sure that it had the right equipment and personnel. As the clinic improved, its needs evolved. We also assisted in funding various research projects.

Everything changed in 2019 when Trikafta was approved by the FDA for patient use. This drug has been a game changer therapy for many Cystic Fibrosis patients. As a result, again, the needs of the Cystic Fibrosis community shifted. Now, we’re focused on helping patients get access to their drug therapies. 

We’ve also teamed up with “Dream a Little Dream” an organization founded by one of the incredible pediatric pulmonologists in Birmingham. “Dream a Little Dream” is focused on expanding quality Cystic Fibrosis care throughout the globe, and has opened Cystic Fibrosis clinics in Chile, Peru, Jordan, Mexico, and Ecuador. I currently serve on the board of directors for Dream a Little Dream.

Q: So, fast forward, over 20 years later. You’ve now got a very successful career as an attorney. What is your role today in Laps for CF? 

A: Laps for CF today is focused on helping patients access medicines and supporting Dream a Little Dream. My role is to conduct our annual letter writing campaign and keep spreading the word about our mission. As the needs of the Cystic Fibrosis community have evolved, Laps for CF is able to sustain support for the Birmingham, Alabama Cystic Fibrosis clinic and Dream a Little Dream with our annual letter writing campaign. Amazingly, and due to the work of so many different organizations and researchers, the median life expectancy for Cystic Fibrosis patients is now 61—almost double what it was in 2002. 

Q: A lot of the organizations that have been honored with the youth in philanthropy award end up dissolving as the founders grow up, go to college, and embark on careers outside of the nonprofit space. How have you juggled pursuing a career in law with maintaining your connection to Laps for CF and this cause that is so important to you? 

A: For me, the juggle has been focused on always wanting to be involved with Laps for CF even if I can’t do everything I did before. My role is so much more limited now, but it is so meaningful to be part of this effort that’s been ongoing for 23 years! I love being an attorney and finding ways to fuse my passions for philanthropy and law. 

Q: What advice would you give to young people who want to start a philanthropic project or nonprofit? 
A: Do it! There’s no downside to putting yourself out there to fundraise and raise awareness for causes you’re passionate about. I’ve been continually humbled by the incredible, decades-long outpouring of support and generosity. Remember also, you always raise $0 when you don’t make the ask.

Q: What’s next for you, individually, and for Laps for CF? 
A: I am 32 now, so next is continuing to grow my legal practice while also pouring into causes I love. In addition to Laps for CF and Dream and Little Dream, my husband and I are involved with a shelter for women and children in Birmingham. Looking ahead, my husband and I hope to one day start a family and instill a love of community and philanthropy in our own children. 

Interested in honoring inspiring youth in your community? Applications are currently open for the 2026 William R. Simms Award for Youth in Philanthropy, sponsored by Carter. Submit your nomination by December 19, 2025.