Cindy Joyce

JOYCE FOUNDATION JOINS “THE BACHELOR” COLTON UNDERWOOD TO FIGHT CYSTIC FIBROSIS

A HASLAM ALUMNA and her family are helping to make dreams come true for children with cystic fibrosis. Cindy Joyce (HCB, ’85) and her husband, Jeff, are passionate about improving access to innovative treatment for all CF patients and have been involved with several nonprofit organizations over the years since their daughter, Meghan, was diagnosed with it as a baby. 

Now an adult, Meghan recently discovered The Legacy Foundation, a nonprofit founded by Colton Underwood, former NFL player and recent star of The Bachelor. Touched by Underwood’s mission to provide equipment and resources to CF patients, the Joyces decided to form a partnership between The Legacy Foundation and the Joyce Family Foundation. 

This spring, the Joyces joined Underwood at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, to fulfill 11-year-old Molly Claire Stephens’ dream of cheering with the UT cheerleading squad. Stephens spent the day on campus learning the cheer and putting it into action at a UT basketball game. “She did a fantastic job, and even got to meet Smokey,” says Joyce. “I’ve never seen a child smile so much.” Stephens and her family also received an AffloVest for her breathing treatments. Until recently, similar vests for CF patients needed to be plugged into a wall outlet. Having an AffloVest means more freedom for those living with the disease but cost is often a barrier. “We’re thrilled to be helping to provide this life-changing equipment for families who are facing CF,” says Joyce. “It feels good for Meghan to know she’s helping someone else, too. It’s a mission that’s very close to her heart.”