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Some days, the biggest struggle I have is accepting that I have CF.

There were three important things that my parents did for me while I was growing up that helped me become an independent and positive person.

There are a lot of misconceptions about illnesses. For one, you're supposed to look sick -- or like other people's perception of a sick person. Once I started to doubt myself and the gravity of my illness, I began internalizing a whole lot of guilt.

Starting at 6 months of age, I began my daily journey battling my chronic illness, cystic fibrosis. And now, at 28, my heart is heavy because one of my nearest and dearest caregivers passed away unexpectedly … my father.

Since everyone in my graduating high school class knew each other by name, I'm guessing that everyone knew that I had CF. But it was never discussed. Rarely did anyone bring it up to me or ask me any questions, and that was just the way I wanted it. 

When you have cystic fibrosis, the people in your life are heavily impacted by what you go through. And this love isn't limited to a companion or partner, but shines through friends, parents, siblings and caregivers.