Diane Shader Smith

Bio

Diane Shader Smith is a powerful voice in the cystic fibrosis (CF) community, a tireless advocate, and a devoted mother. Her daughter, Mallory, lived with CF and passed away at the age of 25. Since then, Diane has used her voice to raise awareness, funding, and hope by sharing Mallory’s story—most notably through the books Salt in My Soul and The Diary of a Dying Girl. Diane travels the country speaking about her daughter’s writing, offering insight into chronic illness, the emotional toll of the patient journey, organ transplant, and the promise of phage therapy. Today, Diane is a global spokesperson, continuing to speak on love, loss, and legacy.