11-year-old Luke Klausing will get the chance to speak with elected officials at Speak Now For Kids Family Advocacy Day

Story by: Luke Klausing on June 21, 2018

Luke Klausing is participating at 2018 Speak Now for Kids Family Advocacy Day June 26 and 27 in Washington, D.C. During the event, Luke will talk about his experience with cystic fibrosis and the importance of children’s health care with members of Congress. Here’s his story.

Hi, my name is Luke. I’m 11 years old. I’m a huge football fan. I love watching and playing football. The University of Kentucky is my favorite team. I also really like watching the Green Bay Packers … Go Pack Go. I also have been battling cystic fibrosis since I can remember.

It’s something that I’ve grown up with and have learned to deal with. So far I’ve had five surgeries and will need some more in the future. I’m used to taking eight breathing treatments, hour-long lung percussions and 30 medications each day. Norton Children’s Hospital has taken great care of me, and because of them I’m able to take trips like this!

Now I’ll get to share my story with some elected officials in Washington, D.C. Patients and families from children’s hospitals across the country will travel to the capital for Speak Now for Kids Family Advocacy Day. I’m very excited to meet other kids like me.

While I’m there I want to share how important children’s health is. My family and I are scheduled to visit Sen. Mitch McConnell and Rep. John Yarmuth in their offices. I look forward to meeting them and sharing my story. My hope is when they and other lawmakers go vote, they always keep kids like me in the front of their minds.

I’m also very excited about all the places I’ll get to visit while I’m there. We’re planning to see the White House and many of the other monuments throughout the city. It’s going to be a great trip.

Thanks to Norton Children’s Hospital, I’m able to do everyday things like this and enjoy life. I can’t wait to take my message to Washington, D.C.