Learn about cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs, and how to treat and live with this chronic disease.
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When I was 13, my family went from having two seemingly normal kids to two CF patients in a manner of a few short months -- and boy, did it change everything. Because of my late diagnosis, I faced a unique set of challenges that helped make me the strong person I am today.
I had all the classic symptoms of cystic fibrosis, but neither I nor my doctors ever considered them in their totality. The symptoms were treated like separate problems -- asthma, nasal polyps, digestive problems -- until one specialist noticed a tell-tale sign that brought about my clarifying diagnosis.
The road to rebuilding shattered dreams is not a straight one.
While my husband and I are learning more about raising a daughter with cystic fibrosis, we don't let the occasional humorous moments pass us by. Being able to laugh about certain things lets us know that we have come a long way.
My daughter loves looking up at the stars, which is perfect because we plan on teaching her to reach for those stars in every moment of her life and not settle for anything less.
As a parent of two kids, I find myself wondering if Anna's CF is changing Jack. Would he feel the same responsibility for her if she didn't have CF?