The CF Community Blog is written by the community, for the community. It's about sharing our experiences, reflections, and perspectives — the good days, the bad days, and all the tough and wonderful things in between. With topics ranging from emotional health to treatments, the blog is a platform to share your unique story.
![Zanny flexing her bicep which has a PICC line in it](/sites/default/files/styles/image_card/public/2024-04/Zanny-Steffgen-Featured-Image.png?h=8abcec71&itok=Fr7k5PvA)
Having an atypical presentation of CF means I stand somewhere between the CF world and the rest of the world — and that makes me feel like I belong in neither.
![A professional headshot of Zanny Steffgen](/sites/default/files/styles/author_thumbnail/public/2024-04/Zanny-Steffgen-Headshot.png?itok=oD3iLvkp)
![A selfie of Sheila Tines wearing supplemental oxygen](/sites/default/files/styles/image_card/public/2024-04/Sheila-Tines-Featured-Image.png?h=8abcec71&itok=iBeAMlD7)
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Living with an illness like advanced lung disease can be incredibly isolating and limiting. But I’ve found a way to connect with others and make my own adventures through online gaming.
![A headshot of Sheila Tines](/sites/default/files/styles/author_thumbnail/public/2024-04/Sheila-Tines-Headshot.png?itok=_5KuDcuf)
![Samantha standing in the balcony of a legislative chamber](/sites/default/files/styles/image_card/public/2024-03/Samantha-Rick-Featured-Image.png?h=8abcec71&itok=k5V9u_Mk)
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The CF community supported me so much during my two double-lung transplants, so I’m eager and excited to give back. One of the ways I got involved was by becoming a mentor, which is how I formed an incredible bond with my friend, Brittani.
![Samantha-Rick-Headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/author_thumbnail/public/2021-09/Samantha-Rick-Headshot.jpg?itok=_KcQoUDF)
![Sydney Reichart looking off camera at sunset in the desert](/sites/default/files/styles/image_card/public/2024-03/Sydney-Reichart-Featured-Image.png?h=8abcec71&itok=da391QaJ)
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Take it from me, dating with cystic fibrosis can be hard — from not having the energy to keep up with our partners to dealing with all the not-so-sexy aspects of the disease. But it’s important to not settle for anything less than the love and support we deserve.
![Sydney Reichart headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/author_thumbnail/public/2021-12/Sydney-Reichart-Headshot.jpg?itok=I0-60dkv)
![Bianca smiling with her husband, daughter, and son who is wearing a graduation robe and cap.](/sites/default/files/styles/image_card/public/2024-02/Bianca-Maldonado-Dequin-Featured-Image.png?h=8abcec71&itok=5BpOP4-S)
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To the moms of children with CF who feel isolated in their journey — you are not alone. This is my letter to you, from someone who understands.
![A selfie of Bianca and her son](/sites/default/files/styles/author_thumbnail/public/2023-09/Bianca-Maldonado-Dequin-Headshot.png?itok=1AYd9Vph)
![Kelcee posing and smiling in her cheerleading uniform](/sites/default/files/styles/image_card/public/2023-10/Kelcee-Braden-Featured-Image.png?h=8abcec71&itok=_GLKfosN)
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Growing up, I struggled with wanting to feel “normal” because I was bullied and judged by my peers for my cystic fibrosis. But then I found genuine friendship in college and learned what it means to feel truly supported.
![A headshot of Kelcee Braden in her cheerleading uniform](/sites/default/files/styles/author_thumbnail/public/2023-10/Kelcee-Braden-Headshot.png?itok=tdyUizkI)
![Anna Faith standing outside a hospital wearing a mask and holding her insulin pump.](/sites/default/files/styles/image_card/public/2023-09/Anna-Faith-Adair-Featured-Image.png?h=fd900c9f&itok=tv5O-XJe)
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After managing various chronic symptoms my whole life, I was finally diagnosed with CF as an adult. As I struggled to cope with the news, my community rallied around me and taught me what true support looks like.
![Anna Faith wearing a graduation cap and robe.](/sites/default/files/styles/author_thumbnail/public/2023-09/Anna-Faith-Adair-Headshot.png?itok=1Ks-DvUt)