MELISSA YEAGER
Executive Director & Co-Founder
Claire’s Place Foundation
Melissa Yeager lost her daughter Claire Wineland to cystic fibrosis (CF) in 2018 when Claire was only 21, but Claire’s legacy will live on forever in the cystic fibrosis community, thanks to her mother. Today, Yeager, co-founder and executive director of Claire’s Place Foundation, never stops fighting for the CF community. She co-founded the foundation with her daughter Claire when she was just thirteen and coming out of a coma. Claire’s Place Foundation provides heartfelt support to the families of children and to individuals diagnosed with CF. The foundation works to heighten awareness and provide education, skills, and financial and emotional support.
As the executive director and board member, Yeager is responsible for the organization’s consistent achievement of upholding its mission and financial objectives. Recently, she founded the “Work Proudly Program,” which helps CF patients and caregivers live proudly through fulfilling careers.