Everyday Ojaio begins her day with her treatment. A couple of medications are turned into mist using a nebulizer, and then sent into her lungs. This takes about 30 minutes, and is accompanied by the vest. The inhaled medications and vibrations from the vest break up the thick mucus in her lungs, thinning it out enough so that she can cough it up. Breaking up the mucus in Ojaio's lungs helps keep them free from colonizing bacteria that leads to fatal lung infections in people with cf. This is repeated once more in the evening, and four times a day when sick.

Every time Ojaio eats she takes enzymes to replace the ones that are blocked by mucus in her pancreas. These enzymes allow her to absorb fat, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Even with a high dose of enzymes for such a little person, Ojaio still does not absorb enough. This means instant breakfast in milk, coconut milk and oil in smoothies, and almond butter, olive oil and just plain old butter in everything! This may not sound that bad, but for someone who is constantly battling malabsorption, an appetite is not always there. In addition to all of this Ojaio takes vitamins, an antacid, a laxative, probiotics, and DHA daily. As her body purges salt at such a high rate, she drinks coconut water to replace the lost electrolytes.

Ojaio is an amazing two year old. She holds the nebulizer mask to her face on her own as the vest shakes her. While other toddlers most definitely would protest this, along with taking the antacid, vitamins or enzymes that she takes daily, to her it has become as natural as eating or taking a bath. Ojaio has an amazing spirit and is filled with tons of energy. She demands to be the center of attention the second she walks through the door!

This year, I will be walking in the Great Strides walk in Huntington Beach on 05/17/2008, for my Ojaio. Please help me in my efforts to raise money for the CF Foundation. Donations made will be used efficiently and effectively, as more than $.90 out of every dollar you contribute will be used to fund the vital programs of the CF Foundation.

The money raised supports research that will allow Ojaio to live a longer, less high maintenance life, and eventually....we hope it will find a cure!

Making a donation is easy and secure! Just click the "Click to Donate" button on this page to go to make a donation that will be credited to my team. Any amount you can donate is greatly appreciated!

Thank you so much for supporting Ojaio and our family!