Blog

We’re highlighting three creators who are helping raise cystic fibrosis awareness. They’re voicing the variety of ways that people experience the disease by sharing a part of their life through their works.

Although I admired bodybuilders when I was growing up, I thought pumping iron and building muscle was impossible with cystic fibrosis — so I didn’t even try. After a hospitalization, my passion for fitness was rekindled and I discovered I could build muscle mass and improve my health.

Since my daughter, Kinley’s, cystic fibrosis diagnosis, I have come to rely on her care team. We have become a true team in Kinley’s care.

My daughter, Lauren, didn’t know that having a lung transplant would greatly increase her risk for cancer until it was too late. Her death has taught me how important it is to know the health risks faced after transplant and our need to advocate for ourselves.

I struggled with my health for years until I was diagnosed with CF at the age of 19. After starting treatments, my physical health improved greatly, yet the scars on my mental health remain.

Life with cystic fibrosis can come with many recovery days. But it’s hard for me to avoid feeling guilty when I need time to rest and recharge. Working harder to be more productive and make up for the time I lost at work and with family while resting often leads me right back to my couch and needing to take another day to rest.