Emmah Money is a dynamic motivational speaker, emcee, and long-time cystic fibrosis advocate who has dedicated her life to inspiring others through resilience, authenticity, and lived experience.
Born with the life-threatening genetic illness cystic fibrosis and placed for adoption at birth, Emmah was not expected to survive past infancy. But with grit, love, and purpose, she has gone on to live a life of extraordinary impact. At 17, a chance encounter led her to reunite with her biological family—an emotional turning point that shaped her mission to lead with vulnerability, strength, and optimism.
Now a mother of four, Emmah continues to defy expectations—not only as a woman living with an invisible illness, but as a powerful changemaker on national and international stages. She has shared her story globally, including a keynote at the Global Leadership Forum in Pittsburgh alongside renowned figures like Bill Clinton and Jamie Oliver. Whether on stage, in schools, or through social media, Emmah connects deeply with audiences through stories of adversity, perseverance, and hope.
Her platform, CF Mummy, began as a space to document her pregnancy journey—something she was once told would never be possible. It has since evolved into a movement of awareness, support, and advocacy for people navigating chronic illness, parenthood, and life’s unpredictable challenges.
Emmah has raised over $100,000 for cystic fibrosis research and support services, developed tailored speaking programs for schools and corporates, and continues to volunteer her time as a passionate voice for change. Her past work includes ambassador roles with Cystic Fibrosis Australia and the Cure4CF Foundation, and her podcast The Princess of Possible celebrates real stories from those within the CF community.
Her recognition includes:
• Westfield Local Hero
• 7NEWS Young Achiever of the Year – Service to the Community
• Australia Day “Women Hold Up Half the Sky” Award
• Inductee, South Australian Women’s Honour Roll
• 2018 Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Bearer
But for Emmah, her proudest titles will always be: mother, advocate, and eternal optimist. Her story is proof that with persistence, heart, and purpose—anything is possible.
Talking Points
Remove the expiry date
Emmah has overcome many obstacles - from being diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at birth to be then given up for adoption at only weeks old, too discovering her biological family at 16 after they believed she had passed away. Remove the expiry date
Emmah talks openly about living with a chronic illness and the many battles she has faced and how she is continuously overcoming the unimaginable.
From living long past her life expectancy date to the many success - travel, career, motherhood and what's to come.
Through Emmah's personal story, it will not only inspire and give hope to her audiences to know that anything is possible but motivate them to make a difference.
Be the one they want to
Through courage, honesty and positivity, Emmah shares her pathway to corporate success. As a delegate at One Young World Pittsburgh - an International leadership summit, Emmah talks about what she has learnt from leaders around the world. Be the one they want to
Questioning what makes a good leader and leaving you ask yourself; why would people want to be lead by you. From being personal yet professionally respected this will leave you questioning your leadership - Are you a good leader?
Making the impossible
Having Cystic Fibrosis has proven to show it will have many obstacles. Becoming a Mother with a chronic illness would never be encouraged.Making the impossible
Being a mother of two and having Cystic Fibrosis Emmah and her husband were caught in tough conversations and faced many tough decisions, but after lengthy discussions with medical teams and each other, they were blessed with two healthy children.
Emmah talks about planning for a child when the facts state you may not be around to see them grow up, to falling pregnant naturally and the 9 month journey; pregnant with CF, to life with a baby and being a Cystic Fibrosis Mother. Emmah talks about post natal depression; her triggers, the highs and lows - nothing is off the table.
Video
Australian of the Year: Emmah Money, Cystic Fibrosis Advocate
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the most common life-threatening hereditary illness in Australia, affecting the lungs and digestive system - and limiting average life expectancy to 37 years. Diagnosed with CF as a newborn, Emmah Money was given up for adoption after doctors believed she wouldn't survive. Just before her 17th birthday, Emmah found her biological family by chance, who believed she had passed away. Now in her thirties and mother of two, Emmah has a list of credible achievements to her name. As an Ambassador for the Cure4CF Foundation, Emmah raises awareness and funds for Cystic Fibrosis and won a three-year battle with the Australian Government to put the life-changing drug, Orkambi, on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Through her social media platform, CF Mummy, Emmah has raised more than $50,000 to support research into a cure. Emmah regularly speaks in schools across Australia, inspiring students with her powerful account about overcoming obstacles, including bullying and depression, and living with an invisible disability.Emmah Money Addresses the Health Plenary: One Young World Summit 2012
At only days old, Emmah Evans was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), the most common life-threatening lung disease effecting Australians today. With limited treatment options at the time, Emmah's biological family believed she would not live past her fifth birthday and gave her up for adoption.Emmah Money Interview
At only days old, Emmah Evans was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), the most common life-threatening lung disease effecting Australians today. With limited treatment options at the time, Emmah's biological family believed she would not live past her fifth birthday and gave her up for adoption.If you are looking for a world class presentation that will leave your audience spellbound, look no further than Emmah Money. Her message, resilience & incredible story will change lives. Em ... keep reading Westpac
Emmah was extremely engaging and captivating with a remarkable and extremely inspirational story. There was not a dry eye in the room. We have received so much positive feedback from our guests. Thank you Emmah
Emmah was the favourite speaker on the day by the majority of our attendees. Many are still talking about her and her story.
