Remembering CF Warrior, Claire Wineland

Founder of Claire’s Place Foundation 

At the age of 13, Claire Wineland founded Claire’s Place Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organizationproviding support to children and families affected by cystic fibrosis (CF). Claire lived with cystic fibrosis her entire life.  

In September 2018, Claire passed away at the age of 21. She was an activist, speaker, philanthropist and author.  Claire committed her life to traveling the world and speaking about her experience, from the beautiful and humorous to the painful parts of her life. She inspired all who followed her journey and broke down barriers for those who live every day with a chronic illness.

Claire’s humanity and wisdom was beyond her years and always shone through despite how sick she was. Claire loved sharing her unique outlook on life and raising awareness of the needs of children living with CF. Her inspirational outlook led her to be a social media star and TEDx Speaker.

Claire, and her undying passion for living a life to be proud of, even inspired the 2019 major motion picture Five Feet Apart directed by her dear friend Justin Baldoni who she met while filming CW’s Our Last Days. Although Claire inspired Five Feet Apart, consulted on the script, attended table reads with the actors, etc., the story is not her life story. It is, however, the first major motion picture to cast a spotlight on people living with cystic fibrosis. Claire, unfortunately, was never able to see the final film. She would be so proud that the film is raising awareness about truly living life fully, regardless of whether you are lucky enough to be born healthy, and especially if you are faced with CF or another chronic illnesses. 

Claire’s Place Foundation was a way for Claire to give back with hope, strength and joy. The foundation gave meaning to her life experience. Thanks to the continued generosity of her friends and fans; Claire’s family and the foundation’s board members proudly continue to carry Claire’s remarkable legacy forward by providing emotional and financial support to families living with CF. 

Claire’s Place is making a huge impact through its two programs – The Extended Hospital Stay Fund and the Family Support Program. For the Extended Stay Program, the foundation has set up a special cache of funds available to families with children such as Barrett that are experiencing a hospital stay of at least 14 consecutive days. Extended stays are a financial stress and often the children are in a city far from home. The Family Support Program connects families living with fibrosis to communicate with each other and share their experience, strength and hope with newly diagnosed or isolated families looking for support. 

For more information on Claire’s Place visit clairesplacefoundation.org

Read more of Claire’s story in the CF Warrior book, now available on Amazon.

You can also connect with Claire’s Place on social media: Facebook,Instagram