How 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Marc Cassalina’s leadership and Invest in Others’ support is helping fuel momentum for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
At Invest in Others, we are proud to support nonprofit organizations that are creating meaningful, lasting change, and one story reflects that impact powerfully is the work of our 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Marc Cassalina, CFP®, of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management.
After losing his daughter, Jena, to cystic fibrosis in 2006, Marc has dedicated himself to honoring her legacy through tireless advocacy and fundraising for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF). From presenting the National Jena Award each year to speaking at national conferences, board meetings, and fundraising events, Marc’s leadership has helped raise more than $1.1 million directly and over $4 million indirectly in just the past three years, and he remains steadfast in his mission to help find a cure.
As part of his Lifetime Achievement Award in September 2024, Invest in Others was honored to provide a $100,000 grant to the CFF to further advance this critical work.
That support came at a pivotal time. CFF began 2025 with significant momentum, celebrating the FDA approval of Alyftrek, the first once-daily CFTR modulator that expands treatment options, including for individuals who previously had no effective therapies. Beyond this milestone, the CFF continues to invest in next-generation modulators, cutting-edge biotech research, and genetic therapy innovation, including nearly $30 million toward prime editing technology aimed at correcting CF mutations at their source.
Equally important, CFF is ensuring that medical breakthroughs translate into real-world impact. In 2025, it continued delivering specialized care through its national network of care centers, advancing CF-related clinical trials worldwide, strengthening diagnostics, and supporting families through programs like COMPASS. Advocacy efforts remain strong as well, from protecting access to care to shaping newborn screening guidelines.
Thanks to the generosity of supporters like Marc, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation surpassed its Milestones HI: Driven by a Dream campaign goal by raising more than $200 million, with an additional $50 million challenge ahead. As the Foundation prepares to unveil its next five-year strategic plan, its work remains guided by urgency, innovation, and hope.
We are grateful to stand alongside dedicated leaders like Marc Cassalina and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation as they continue driving progress, until a cure is found for all people living with cystic fibrosis.
Resources to Learn More
🔹 About Cystic Fibrosis: Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that affects the lungs, digestive system, and other organs, requiring lifelong care and ongoing medical innovation.
🔹 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation: Learn more about the Foundation’s mission, research, care model, and patient support programs at www.cff.org
🔹 Research & Breakthroughs: Explore how CF research has transformed outcomes and continues to drive hope for a cure: www.cff.org/research
🔹 Get Involved: Discover ways to support the CF community, advocate for access to care, or participate in fundraising efforts: www.cff.org/get-involved
