Barbara Todd
Host, Air of Optimism
Air of Optimism is a six-episode collection of interviews with my incredible friend Bernadette. Bern was born with cystic fibrosis in 1967, when very little was known about the disease. I have been friends with Bern for over 35 years and am constantly in awe of her incredible attitude and drive to survive. In each episode, we walk through a moment of her life including early childhood, becoming a nurse, having a child, and ultimately receiving a lung transplant. We explore her life after transplant and include an incredibly touching interview with Bernadette’s daughter, who is now 24. This podcast is for everyone, including someone with CF, a parent of a child with CF, a child of someone with CF, anyone who has had or may need a transplant, or anyone who loves a story of optimism!
Barbara Washburn
Author, My Queen Rox
My Queen Rox is a short but impactful story about my long-distance friendship with Roxy, a woman I met through a phone app who had CF. Through the hardships of her CF journey, we coped by escaping into roleplay texting, where we adventured to locations we could only dream of visiting together. This story is a fun but emotional ride through my experience with Roxy and CF. It shows just how meaningful you can be to someone else, even if you are only a text on a screen.
I had always dreamed of becoming a published author. Roxy, through enduring her own struggles, pushed me to fulfill my dream. She helped me believe in myself and encouraged me to write this book. Through her friendship, I learned how to love without boundaries, let go when I have no control, and always keep my promises. I wrote this book for her and to fulfill her dream of helping others, including me, to overcome their pain, hardships, and loss — specifically those who have CF. She wanted everyone to know just how special and amazing they are, no matter who they are, where they are from, or what they must endure.
My Queen Rox is not only a dedication to an amazing woman with CF, but also our dreams made whole. Per Roxy’s (loving) demand, portions of all proceeds will be donated to the CF Foundation and other amazing organizations.
Ashley Wilson
Author, Beauty Grown From Thorns
Beauty Grown From Thorns is a collection of 65 original poems that brings readers into a new element and light to Ashley Wilson's art. Ashley Wilson is an author and producer residing in Los Angeles. Known for sharing her faith and experiences living with cystic fibrosis online, Ashley wrote this poetry book to bring awareness to cystic fibrosis, inspire, and share words of healing.
“This book has been seven years in the making. Actually, I never imagined these poems would be published. I always thought these words would stay locked away and the key would be thrown out. These pages are filled with excerpts from the heart and are very deep and personal. I wrote these poems during times when I did not know how to process my emotions. Over time, the words I once wrote in the midst of pain grew to become words of strength and healing.
I hope as you read these poems, you can grieve, be inspired, find healing, or even relate, as I have come to learn you are not alone in the raw experiences that life brings.”
Interested in sharing your story? The CF Community Blog wants to hear from you.
