This past year, I faced my most difficult time in my fight against cystic fibrosis. After leading a relatively healthy life, I was diagnosed with a rare lung infection that had a scary name and required a long course of IV antibiotics. I had never been so sick before and I had so many questions running through my mind. Was this the start of a life with CF where I was in and out of the hospital constantly? Was I going to be able to return to work and keep up with my coworkers? Was this essentially the end of life as I knew it?

I was completely terrified. In search of support, I turned to my friends and family. They were sympathetic and said everything they could to show their love, but (through no fault of their own) they could never fully understand what I was going through. I think that most CFers would agree that due to cross-contamination risks, cystic fibrosis can be an isolating disease. I felt completely alone and very scared.

I had no friends with CF that I could confide in, and I was not sure how to go about meeting other individuals with CF.

Somewhat magically as I was being discharged from the hospital, I received an email from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation about CF Peer Connect, a new mentoring program where people with CF can virtually connect one-on-one. I filled out the online form and received a phone call to talk about what I wanted in a peer mentor. I explained that I was looking for a female in her 30s who had a similar health status to my own. In addition, I wanted someone who was employed so that we could speak about CF and career decisions, a topic in which I was particularly interested. About a week and a half later, I was matched with my mentor, Stacy!

During our first phone call, it was instantly apparent that Stacy and I were well-matched. We exchanged stories about our CF history and then moved on to telling each other about our careers, families, and hobbies. It was amazing how much we had in common. Our medical history was remarkably similar, and we both seemed to share the same outlook on life. At the end of the phone call, we scheduled another chat for the following week. I remember hanging up the phone and thinking “wow, this is the connection I have been missing!”

Over the course of the next few months, my relationship with Stacy became stronger -- beyond what I had initially expected from a peer mentor. What began as scheduled weekly phone calls turned into daily texts or calls. My bond with Stacy is not over how CF has negatively impacted our lives. In fact, we do not let that attitude enter our conversations. Instead, we have connected over our positive outlook on life and our shared drive to achieve. We have particularly bonded over our passion for fitness and the benefits it has for our health. Although we live across the country from each other, we joined the same gym in our individual states and we work out “together.” We are even in the process of training for a half marathon! Knowing that Stacy is heading to the gym and completing all of her treatments keeps me motivated to stay on top of my health and fitness.

The most incredible part of my experience with CF Peer Connect has been the transformation of my relationship with Stacy. When we first began speaking, I needed Stacy's advice and guidance on how to get through my illness more than anything. Stacy was able to give me strength during an extremely tough part of my life because she understood what I was facing more than anyone else. She could offer me advice from the standpoint of someone who had truly been in my shoes.

Now our relationship has grown into one of two friends mentoring each other, rather than one of a traditional mentor/mentee. Today I offer Stacy as much support and guidance as she offers me. I am incredibly thankful for every conversation that we share. I have gained the gift of a mentor, a friend, and a teammate, because Stacy and I are committed to winning the fight against CF together.