World Cystic Fibrosis Day
In honor of World Cystic Fibrosis Day, September 8th, RESOLVE’s CEO, Danielle Melfi sat down with Pete Proimos, founder of the Filotimo Foundation, to discuss the intersection of chronic illness, infertility, and advocacy. RESOLVE and the Filotimo Foundation want people living with cystic fibrosis (CF) who want to build a family to know they are not alone in the fight for support and access.
Pete, tell us about the Filotimo Foundation. Why did you start it?
“I live with cystic fibrosis (CF), and I’ve seen firsthand how hard it is to live with a chronic disease — especially when it comes to things like fertility or financial hardship that aren’t always covered by insurance. I wanted to create a nurturing environment where people with CF could thrive, not just survive.”
What does “Filotimo” mean?
“It’s a Greek word that means helping someone without expecting anything in return. It’s like a hug you didn’t ask for but really needed. That’s what we try to offer — support that’s deeply human and unconditional.”
How does cystic fibrosis affect fertility, and how is Filotimo addressing that?
“For men with CF, 98% have an underdeveloped vas deferens, meaning sperm retrieval is necessary to have children, but the medical procedures are often not covered by insurance. We partner with clinics like Atlantic Reproductive Medicine and Ivy Fertility to provide financial and emotional support for families navigating this journey.”
What’s the big vision for Filotimo?
“To build a national network of fertility clinics that understand cystic fibrosis and other chronic diseases. We want to support anyone who needs help building a family — whether they’re dealing with CF, cancer, or another condition. And we want to do it with compassion and efficiency.”
Danielle, what is RESOLVE and how do you support people building families?
“RESOLVE is the national patient advocacy organization for people facing infertility and those who face barriers to building a family. We provide support groups, educational resources, and advocate for better access to care at both the state and federal levels. Our goal is to ensure everyone who wants to build a family can do so.”
How important is the patient voice in your work?
“It’s everything. Patients lead our support groups, shape our educational materials, and are the heart of our advocacy. Last year, 800 patients joined us for Advocacy Day to share their stories with lawmakers. Their voices drive change.”
Final Thoughts
This conversation was more than a meeting. It was a moment of connection between two organizations rowing in the same direction. As Pete said, “We’re in the boat together.” And as Danielle reminded us, “The more voices we have, the louder we are.”
Learn more about RESOLVE at their website. People with CF in search of fertility support can always request assistance through the Filotimo Foundation request assistance page. The Filotimo Foundation Fertility grant is now also listed on RESOLVE’s Fertility Treatment and Scholarship grants page.
RESOLVE is a trusted resource for thousands seeking education, advocacy, and financial support on the path to parenthood. We hope this connection helps more members of the CF community discover Filotimo and RESOLVE and feel empowered to reach out for support.
