I'm lucky to be with an amazing woman, who just so happens to have cystic fibrosis. In the time that I have come to know Kassandra she has shown me her tenacity, commitment, talent, and willingness to succeed. There is a passion in everything that she does. She works hard to get where she wants to go or do what she wants to do.
When Kassandra and I first met at a nightclub in Knoxville, we had an undeniable and instant attraction to each other when we met on the dance floor. I'm kind of smiling as I'm typing this because of how clichéd that may sound, but it really was memorable.
We eventually went outside to talk and she told me that she had CF. I did have previous experiences dealing with and learning about CF because a good friend of mine has it, too. When I had it in my head that this girl was absolutely amazing, I just knew that I wanted to be with her. So, I watched and listened for a long time and learned the different procedures and routines: the enzymes, vest, treatments, and hospital visits.
It never bothered me before and I thought I understood what having CF meant. But, it really is important to learn more. I believe that understanding cystic fibrosis on a basic level is required for a healthy relationship. For instance, if you really care about your partner, it is important to not accidentally make them sick -- anything to help them avoid hospital visits. Basic hygiene and vaccinations are necessities we can all live with, but I've definitely become more aware of them because of how important they are to Kassandra's health.
Since we have been together, Kassandra and I have spent a lot of time outdoors. We love paddleboarding, hiking, whitewater rafting, kayaking, and exploring anywhere outside. And when we're not outdoors, we love watching documentaries on climbing and mountaineering. We've been on all sorts of adventures, and every time I've seen that she is capable of more, and wanting more.
She has the aura and heart of a pro athlete. But, we consistently need to be mindful and prepared for any challenges that we face, as they play a huge role in keeping everything we do running smoothly. We have had to make some adjustments to accommodate Kassandra's health. For example, I installed an inverter in my car, so we could plug in her equipment. Kassandra and I have become exceptionally well-prepared with backup supplies and strategies to deal with the diverse environments we find ourselves in. These adjustments are worth it so we can both enjoy the time we spend outdoors together.
Sometimes we need to come up with creative plans, but we always work together and communicate our ideas. I don't believe we would have come half as far otherwise.
We are working on her future, too. After talking about it for some time, I now know she needs to have a lung transplant -- and I've decided to move to Boston to be with Kassandra as she waits for her transplant. The gravity of this resonates within me, but it does not change the love I have for this woman. It has made me even more hopeful for a cure. We talk about the adventures we still want to share together and I believe we will do them.
She will conquer this disease!
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