Chloe Fernandez

Chloe Fernandez became a published author of the book “PCD Has Nothing On Me” before she turned 10. Fernandez is an advocate, a philanthropist as well as an actress and model. This inspiring, strong willed, dynamic, kind and full of life little girl, has been featured in nationwide advertising campaigns for Justice and Nickelodeon. Fernandez has also taken to the runway for various well known clothing designers and has been a participant during NYFW. Fernandez has been featured in Latina Magazine, J-14 Magazine, BCK Magazine, Wild Child Magazine and Mocha Magazine, just to name a few.

Just by looking at Fernandez or meeting this vivacious, talented, and beautiful young lady, one would never know, or suspect that she is living with a chronic illness. At six years old, Fernandez was diagnosed with Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD). PCD is a genetic disorder that attacks the cilia, tiny hair-like structures that line the airways of her respiratory tract. A person with PCD can’t clear their own airway secretions, which leads to repeated infections of the lungs.

Fernandez has spent the majority of her childhood, since being diagnosed, in and out of hospitals. Although Fernandez was naturally scared, frustrated and bored, she refused to let this chronic disease dampen her spirits. Fernandez set out on a journey to inspire and encourage other children who may be facing similar obstacles with illnesses. With Fernandez’s kind nature and conviction to share and help others, her book “PCD Has Nothing On Me” became a reality.

As a motivational speaker and advocate for PCD Awareness, Fernandez, has been interviewed by NBC LA, LA Times, FOX5NY, The Ridgewood News, The Wall Street Journal, Latina Magazine and countless others. Through her determination to help others, Fernandez doesn’t allow for her medical challenges to define who she is. It’s just not who she is! This determination lead to Fernandez being selected as WebMD’s 2017 Health Hero Advocate Award Winner.