Pediatric Advisory Council
Kirsten McGowan
Kirsten joined the CF Family Advisory Council in 2014 and has been the Lead Parent on the council since 2018. Her son, Pat, was born in 2010 with cystic fibrosis and Kirsten has two younger sons, Connor and Emmett, who are carriers but do not have CF. Kirsten also works on other committees and roles within the Family-Centered Care department at Stanford Children's in Patient Safety, Patient/Family Education, IS work and more. Pat has been seen by the CF care team since birth and has developed a strong relationship with everyone, which has had a huge impact on his care and ability to stay healthy and active. Kirsten keeps busy with three boys but also loves exercising, cooking, coaching soccer and volunteering at school.
Arek Puzia
Arek has been a member of the Stanford/LPCH CF Community for nearly three years now. Arek's daughter, Natalie, was diagnosed from newborn screening. Arek and his family are very involved in various conferences, boards, and fundraising events in the quest to find a cure for CF. Natalie's mutation is one of the less known nonsense mutation and non of the current medical breakthroughs apply to her. Arek became part of the LPCH family when Natalie's care team, Bay Area Pediatric Pulmonary, was acquired by Stanford. Arek is very excited to be a part of the Stanford community and to help improve outcomes for all CF patients and their families. Arek enjoys travel, the outdoors, and has an insatiable appetite for learning.
Rohini Thukral
Rohini joined the CF Parent Council in 2019. Her daughter, Ria, was born diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis through the newborn screening process in 2016. Rohini, her husband Richard and daughter Ria, and son Rory are deeply appreciative of the partnership and friendship that each member of their CF care team provides them through the good times and the hard times. When not working, you can find Rohini running after her kids at the park, scoping out new treats at Trader Joe's, or attempting to run up and down the Dish.
