“Nothing will stand in my way.”

Doctors told Kasey Seymour, ’14, she wouldn’t live to see her 21st birthday. The crushing news came when, at age 4, she was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, a rare, incurable genetic disease that severely affects the lungs and digestive system.

But Seymour has defied the odds.

Today she’s a leading voice in the effort to raise awareness about the disease and ultimately find a cure.

Following her diagnosis, Seymour’s family became involved with the Maryland chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF). She began speaking publicly when she was in high school to promote awareness about the disease.

Seymour and her family have helped raise nearly $2 million for research since she was diagnosed, and she has addressed groups in the thousands.

“My parents instilled a work ethic in me from the time I was diagnosed. They made sure I didn’t give up, made sure I studied hard and was involved in the right things, so when I got to college and through college I was prepared for a life of my own, to work and live in the real world.”

Certainly she has succeeded in preparing for a life of her own.

Seymour received her degree in business from Loyola in May. Today she is living life to the fullest, enjoying a social life and exploring the city of Baltimore, where she lives and works as an operations analyst for Morgan Stanley.

“My job is going really well! I have been introduced to a great network at Morgan,” she said.

And while she admitted that finding a balance between her disease and her work life has been difficult, she hopes this will improve with time.

Living with cystic fibrosis is very limiting, especially for a young professional. The disease touches on every aspect of Seymour’s life. Every day, she takes 38 oral antibiotic pills to support her compromised immune system, spends an hour doing physical therapy, and devotes 30 minutes to using nebulizers to help her breathing.

“The disease has damaged my lungs to the point where everyday activities are very difficult. I can’t walk up a flight of stairs. Everything has to be scheduled and regimented in order to fit in the treatments I need to stay healthy,” she explained.

In spite of the challenges she has faced throughout her life, Seymour believes her education and her work with CFF have all prepared her to work at Morgan Stanley in a unique way.

“Not only has it all taught me to face the challenges head on and work to find the best solution; but it has also shown me the importance of working with the people around you. And I have learned that no matter what obstacles I face, I have an amazing support system behind me.”

“Nothing will stand in my way to beat this disease and achieve the future I have been fighting for.”

Seymour and her family continue to work closely with the Maryland chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to plan events and fundraise. Learn more about CFF and how you can donate, raise awareness, or volunteer.