Blog

Although I'm glad that my two children with cystic fibrosis will soon have the opportunity to try Trikafta, I am also a little worried about whether they will have side effects and how well they will do on the drug long-term.

I never let my diagnosis of cystic fibrosis deter me from my dream of becoming a mother. I persevered despite the naysayers and, today, I have a beautiful son.

The unexpected ups and downs of having a son with cystic fibrosis sometimes makes me feel like I'm on a game-show obstacle course, dodging punches and avoiding the mud pit. It helps to do my research, keep lists, rely on my support team, and take some “Mommy time” to get through life's daily challenges.

I struggled when I learned that in addition to cystic fibrosis, my daughter also had adrenal insufficiency. I felt anger, sadness, and anxiety. But thankfully, with the support of my husband, family, friends, and care team, we learned how to manage her condition and deal with emergencies.

At first, it was easy to get my son to do his cystic fibrosis treatments. But as he got older, he started to hide his medications, rather than take them. I finally learned how to get him to see the importance of taking his medications.

I was heartbroken when I learned my baby would be born with cystic fibrosis. However, my son's CF care team changed my perspective and connected me with other mothers of children with CF who became lifelines of support for me.