#53 From Journalist to Advocate: Laura Bonnell’s Mission to Support Cystic Fibrosis Families

In this episode of It Happened To Me, co-hosts Beth Glassman and Cathy Gildenhorn sit down with Laura Bonnell, a seasoned journalist with 25 years of experience in Detroit, founded The Bonnell Foundation in 2010 after her daughters, Molly and Emily, were born with cystic fibrosis (CF). Despite having ten siblings between them, Laura and her husband, Joe, had no idea they were carriers of the disease, as no one else in either family had been diagnosed with CF.

Driven by her personal experience and professional expertise, Laura used her platform as a reporter to raise awareness about CF. Before establishing The Bonnell Foundation, she actively raised funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, participating in the Great Strides Walk fundraisers and speaking at CFF events. Bonnell also organized events like the first Celebrity Softball game with the Detroit Tigers’ wives and launching the "Portraits of Cystic Fibrosis" calendars in 2003—both of which are integral to The Bonnell Foundation's fundraising efforts today. 

Through her foundation, Laura continues to advocate tirelessly for those affected by CF, leveraging her journalistic skills to amplify the cause and support the CF community.

Topics Covered:

• Understanding Cystic Fibrosis: What it is, how it affects the body, and the daily medical routines required to manage it.
• Personal Journey: Laura’s experience with her daughters’ diagnoses and the challenges her family faced.
• Advocacy Through Journalism: How Laura’s skills as a journalist influenced her podcast, Living With Cystic Fibrosis, and her advocacy work.
• The Bonnell Foundation: From organizing the first Celebrity Softball game with the Detroit Tigers’ wives to producing the "Portraits of Cystic Fibrosis" calendars, Laura discusses her foundation’s mission and impact.
• Challenges and Progress: The evolving landscape of CF treatment, including the life-changing potential of medications like Trikafta.
• Community Support: How The Bonnell Foundation helps families navigate life with CF and fosters a sense of connection.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Bonnell Foundation
• The Bonnell Foundation Facebook
• The Bonnell Foundation X
• The Bonnell Foundation Instagram
• Living With Cystic Fibrosis Podcast

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“It Happened To Me” is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. DNA Today’s Kira Dineen is our executive producer and marketing lead. Amanda Andreoli is our associate producer. Ashlyn Enokian is our graphic designer.

 

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