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)
![Ryan holding his two daughters at the finish line of a race](/sites/default/files/styles/image_card/public/2023-11/Ryan-Grass-Featured-Image.png?h=8abcec71&itok=JnKHjiMj)
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When I realized how much my nutrition strategy was impacting my performance as a marathon runner, I decided to reevaluate my plan to be more intentional about how to best fuel my body before running.
![Ryan Grass headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/author_thumbnail/public/2021-12/Ryan-Grass-Headshot.jpg?itok=kWEDl1Lp)
![Gabrielle laying in bed with her mom while using her nebulizer](/sites/default/files/styles/image_card/public/2023-09/Gabrielle-Feygin-Featured-Image.png?h=8abcec71&itok=7Bp0p8sv)
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My life was turned upside down when I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis caused by a rare mutation, but my passion for figure skating has helped me stay healthy and happy through it all.
![Gabby wearing a purple Great Strides t-shirt](/sites/default/files/styles/author_thumbnail/public/2023-09/Gabrielle-Feygin-Headshot.png?itok=j6Z91SBD)
![Rachel Leah performing a one-arm dumbbell row in the gym](/sites/default/files/styles/image_card/public/2023-09/Rachel-Leah-Featured-Image.png?h=8abcec71&itok=MXg7bfzd)
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As a personal trainer, I used to feel insecure about the physical effects of CF on my body. But over time, I’ve learned that my strength is defined by so much more than my appearance.
![A selfie of Rachel Leah](/sites/default/files/styles/author_thumbnail/public/2023-09/Rachel-Leah-Headshot.png?itok=rpXvEpKJ)
![Josh giving a thumbs up at the finish line of a marathon, wearing a medal around his neck.](/sites/default/files/styles/image_card/public/2023-08/Josh-Weiss-Featured-Image.png?h=8abcec71&itok=Mf_A0zVq)
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At times, my pediatric CF care team told me about the possible negative outcomes of my cystic fibrosis. Their gentle support helped prepare me for unexpected good health, and is one reason why I was able to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
![A professional headshot of Josh Weiss](/sites/default/files/styles/author_thumbnail/public/2023-08/Josh-Weiss-Headshot.png?itok=_3fFV6Hr)
![Michael Burke wearing a helmet and sunglasses, and smiling with his wife outside](/sites/default/files/styles/image_card/public/2023-07/Michael-Burke-Featured-Image.png?h=8abcec71&itok=hqSVm2wh)
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Michael Burke bicycled 480 miles in six days to raise money for cystic fibrosis — an unprecedented challenge that he used to think was impossible until advances in CF care helped him live boldly.
![A professional headshot of Michael Burke](/sites/default/files/styles/author_thumbnail/public/2023-07/Michael-Burke-Headshot.png?itok=Cl-uHda9)
![Dustin Raynor holding a wrestling belt and posing in front of an American flag](/sites/default/files/styles/image_card/public/2023-06/Dustin-Raynor-Featured-Image_0.png?h=8abcec71&itok=NUG2ZNqo)
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My whole life I pushed myself physically and mentally to achieve my dream in professional wrestling. It turns out I wasn’t dealing with CF. CF was dealing with me.
![A selfie of Dustin Raynor in the car](/sites/default/files/styles/author_thumbnail/public/2023-06/Dustin-Raynor-Headshot.png?itok=jfyV4KnN)