HOME-GROWN HERO

As the parent of a 6-year-old boy with cystic fibrosis (CF), I was thrilled to see Brian McGrory’s article on Joe O’Donnell (Bostonians of the Year, December 23). His name and face represent the parents behind the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and his contributions go far beyond what your article covered. Our son is thriving because of the top-notch care that he receives from the same doctor who cared for the O’Donnells’ late son, Joey, at the Joey O’Donnell Cystic Fibrosis Center at MassGeneral Hospital for Children. Because of Joe O’Donnell’s efforts and those of the rest of the CF community, the average life expectancy for those living with CF is now 37.