South Side woman to host Penn Township fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

As an engineering manager for QAI Aerospace, Ashley Sieber isn’t short on stories from flight paramedics whose aircraft receive services from the White Oak-based aviation company.

Cystic fibrosis — a genetic disease that impacts the lungs, pancreas and other organs — is sometimes a part of those stories.

That’s why Sieber, 27, of Pittsburgh’s South Side neighborhood, jumped at the opportunity to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation — a national nonprofit with a branch in Pittsburgh.

Sieber is one of 50 Pittsburgh area residents selected in April to raise awareness and generate funds for a cystic fibrosis cure.

Called Pittsburgh’s 50 Finest, the group has until late September to raise money. Their efforts will culminate in a Sept. 26 gala celebrating the Pittsburgh branch’s 30th anniversary.

“A lot of people have never heard of (cystic fibrosis), especially if you’re not in the medical field,” Sieber said.

There are about 40,000 children and adults living with cystic fibrosis nationwide, according to the foundation. The condition causes mucus to clog airways, the pancreas and the liver — compromising the immune system, digestion and liver function.

Children born to two parents with the cystic fibrosis gene have a 25% chance of contracting the disease; a 50% chance of carrying the gene but not having the disease; and a 25% chance of not carrying or contracting the disease, according to the foundation.

Sieber was nominated for Pittsburgh’s 50 Finest by friend Marla Currens, who held the same position two years ago.

“I feel like every time I’ve seen her, she’s always so outgoing … and she just has such a caring heart,” said Currens, 31, of Murrysville.

Currens is a carrier of the cystic fibrosis gene. But she was also inspired to support the foundation by a friend whose two children have the disease.

“Seeing the impact that our money can make in changing her kids’ lives,” she said, “it really just keeps you wanting to help and raise all the money that you possibly can.”

Cystic fibrosis care has seen significant advancements in recent decades, with the average life expectancy rising to 65 years old, per the foundation.

But with researchers still working to identify a cure, Sieber is inspired to help the foundation make an impact.

“There are a lot of people that have cystic fibrosis that are involved in the foundation,” Sieber said. “And just to hear their stories of what they’ve had to go through is just life-changing.”

Sieber has raised about $4,200 so far. A spin instructor for Adroit Athletics, Sieber will host a cycling class at the Penn Township gym from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Aug. 30 to continue her fundraising efforts.

Her final fundraiser — featuring food vendors and a cocktail demonstration — will be held 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 14 at Cucina Alfabeto, a restaurant on Pittsburgh’s North Side.

To register for the events or to donate to Sieber’s fundraising efforts, visit finest.cff.org/pittsburghfinest/ashleysieber.