CFA Mission & Values
The Cystic Fibrosis Association of North Dakota exists to help people with CF to #BreatheEasier -- physically, emotionally, and financially.
The Cystic Fibrosis Association of North Dakota (CFA) devotes its time and financial resources to helping North Dakotans with cystic fibrosis (CF) to #BreatheEasier by:
- Assisting with the costs of medications and medical equipment
- Providing travel assistance for medical appointments
- Providing matching funds for organ transplant expenses
- Providing college scholarships so young people with cystic fibrosis can focus on studies, and not compromise their education because they need jobs to support their educational endeavors
- Informing the public about cystic fibrosis and current research
- Lobbying to protect individuals with CF and their families from undergoing undue hardship and ensuring their right to receive health care coverage
Our History
The Cystic Fibrosis Association of North Dakota was formed by parents of children with cystic fibrosis in 1980 to raise funds for research, education and assistance to persons suffering from cystic fibrosis. The Association is not affiliated with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or any other parent organization, nor does the Association accept or receive any government funding.
Since its inception, the Association has assisted hundreds of North Dakotans and provided almost two million dollars in programs and services to assist North Dakotans with CF.
Our Board of Directors
A lifelong resident of Bismarck, ND, Gail Rothschiller and her husband, Frank have been members of CFA for many years. They have two children, Jennifer, who has cystic fibrosis, and Matthew. She also has two grandchildren. Gail is involved as a volunteer for CFA fundraising events each year. She is retired after being a teacher in Bismarck Public Schools for 31 years.
Gail serves on the boards of the Bismarck Historical Society and Bis/Man Retired Teachers.
Gail enjoys sewing, reading, gardening and historical research.
Gail's favorite thing about CFA is getting to know other members.
"Cystic Fibrosis is like an unwelcome relative. You have to let it into your life, but you don't have to like it."
Gail currently serves as Board Vice President.
Mandy B. Anderson
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Erin Paulson
Erin Paulson lives in Jamestown, North Dakota with her husband, Brian and her five children, one of whom has Cystic Fibrosis.
Erin is a Financial Advisor for Edward Jones.
Erin also is a member of the Rotary Club in Jamestown.
Erin's hobbies include being an unpaid taxi driver for her children. She also enjoys running and reading.
She likes serving on the board of CFA because she likes helping those with CF with their needs.
David Backlund and his wife, Lisa, live in Fargo with their two daughters, Alexandra and Sophia, who has cystic fibrosis. David is a commercial real estate broker and entrepreneur in the Fargo area.
David serves as Board President for the Real Estate and Property Management Boards in Fargo.
David is a marathon runner, motorcyclist and has his private pilot's license.
Kaylin Deis
Kaylin Deis lives in Bismarck, ND with her husband, Monte (her high school sweetheart) and their two children.
Kaylin graduated from NDSU with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Development and she currently works for the state of North Dakota as a Program Manager.
Kaylin enjoys spending time with kids and family, outdoor activities and crafting
Our Staff
Joe Kambeitz
Executive Director
Joe is a native of Napoleon, North Dakota. He graduated from the University of Mary in 1985 with a BS in Communications. Joe brings with him 25 years of management experience including time spent at FedEx, United Blood Services and Sanford Health.
Joe has been married to his wife Rhonda for 32 years and together they have three grown children—Kassandra, Karly and Luke, and they also enjoy 4 grandchildren.
Joe enjoys all of the sports and loves to golf and camp. He also enjoys spending time volunteering at St. Mary’s Central High School.
My name is Pam Thompson and I have been serving as CFA's Development Director for the past ten years.
I have a B.A. in English from Hope College in Holland, Michigan
I'm married to a pastor, and we have 6 children. Before moving to Bismarck 16 years ago, we had moved around A LOT--our children have been born in four different states!
I love my job here at CFA and cherish getting to know the people that we serve. I love communication of all forms--online and offline and I love the challenges of quickly changing technology.
When I'm not working, I'm probably exploring new recipes, writing (I've authored a series of children's' picture books), knitting, crocheting, taking ballet class, or teaching my daughters to sew. I may also have a strange addiction to bad reality TV, and I binge watch "The Office"
