Chad Salyer's ('18) firstborn son, Beckett, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as a newborn in 2016.

"At first, we were unfamiliar with the condition and did not believe it," he says. "We began to see the world differently."

Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening genetic disorder that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system, causing severe damage and making patients highly vulnerable to infections.

Feeling the fear firsthand when medications weren't available during his son's youngest years, Salyer became motivated to fight for others. This led to his work with the North Texas chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Salyer's personal experience has made him an effective advocate for the nonprofit organization and helps him connect with the community in a deeply authentic way.

"For people to know that the parent of a child with cystic fibrosis is in the trenches fighting for the same cause as them is extremely helpful when fostering support for our cause."

During Beckett's early years, Salyer and his wife, Sary, became more aware of germs and bacteria, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and had to quarantine their son to protect him from contaminants. They didn't even allow extended family members to see him.

Salyer's son was not eligible for medication until the age of 6. "Not having any type of treatment or medication for an incurable disease is not a feeling anyone should go through, so you can only imagine the emotions and excitement to begin this medication at such an early age," he says.

The family turned to the organization.

"The more time I spent with the foundation, the more people I met with cystic fibrosis, and I was able to see and hear of personal experiences that were positive and uplifting. It was eye-opening. It reminded me that my son is just a normal kid, no matter what his diagnosis is," Salyer says.

His journey into nonprofit work was inspired by his son and shaped by his time at UNT. Coming from a background in logistics and supply chain management, he was new to nonprofit and philanthropic work.

"In other words, I was driven by a bottom line rather than a greater cause. UNT helped me separate corporate and nonprofit work. Nonprofit work is much more supportive and community-driven," Salyer says.

Public administration adjunct professor Kathleen McCleskey played a crucial role during his university years, assisting him in developing his resume and guiding him toward a career in the nonprofit sector.

As administrative manager of the North Texas chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Salyer focuses on the foundation's behind-the-scenes work. He oversees the chapter's operations, focusing on compliance, office management and finances to ensure day-to-day activities run smoothly.

The foundation hosts up to 15 events annually to raise funds to help find a cure for the disease and provide programs and services to the local community. The foundation also focuses on peer-to-peer mentoring, where individuals with firsthand experience -- like Salyer -- can help guide and support others.

Salyer frequently encounters misconceptions about cystic fibrosis.

"Many people assume the condition is curable because treatments are available. But these treatments do not work for everyone, and cystic fibrosis is so individual that no two patients are the same," he explains.

Salyer points to the strength of the cystic fibrosis community for helping to keep him motivated.

"The condition's rarity brings people closer together. It is not widely experienced or understood. Because the community is so tight-knit and driven toward the cause, staying motivated comes easily," he says.

Looking ahead, Salyer is excited about advancements in cystic fibrosis treatment -- such as a modulator that combines three drugs into one pill, increasing its effectiveness -- that bring hope for better outcomes, especially for children under seven who previously had limited treatment options.

Salyer is focused on helping to expand programs, services and outreach for his child -- and others.

"Beckett's life has been similar to any other healthy child's, just with some added maintenance, but seeing him approach each day with joy and wonder allows us to continue to have hope that he will grow up, have a family of his own and live a normal life," Salyer says.

"Beckett loves to play soccer, hike, collect fossils, draw, ride his bike and play Minecraft, which wouldn't have been possible without the parents and families that came before us to fight for their own child, as we will continue to do until CF stands for 'Cure Found.'"