Making Life Easier for North Dakotans with Cystic Fibrosis
Our Mission: Every breath matters. At the Cystic Fibrosis Association of North Dakota, we're dedicated to helping our CF community #BreatheEasier - physically, emotionally, and financially. As an independent, locally-focused organization, we provide direct support that transforms lives across our state.
How We Help:
Your support enables us to provide vital assistance that makes a real difference:
- Financial aid for essential medications and medical equipment
- Travel assistance to ensure no medical appointment is missed
- Matching funds for critical organ transplant expenses
- College scholarships that allow students with CF to focus on their education
- Educational outreach to build understanding about CF
- Advocacy efforts protecting healthcare rights for the CF community
Our Story and Impact
Born from the dedication of CF parents in 1980, our grassroots organization has grown into a powerful force for good in North Dakota. Operating independently and without government funding, we've invested nearly two million dollars in direct support, helping hundreds of North Dakotans breathe easier.
Local Focus, Direct Impact
What makes us unique is our laser focus on North Dakota families. Every dollar stays in our state, providing immediate help to our neighbors with CF. As an independent organization, we can respond quickly to our community's needs, ensuring support reaches those who need it most.
Join Our Community

Together, we can help more North Dakotans with CF thrive. Whether you're living with CF, supporting a loved one, or want to make a difference in your community, you're welcome here. Your involvement - whether through donation, advocacy, or spreading awareness - helps build a stronger support system for everyone affected by CF in North Dakota.
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 twelve 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 17 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"
