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When my wife convinced me to undertake a hike up to Angel's Landing, I pictured the physical challenge of it, not the friendship we would develop with another couple on the way up.

After starting Trikafta, I decided to try running again, and I grew to love it. Because of COVID, I had to conduct my own races in 2020, but now I have joined a running group and am preparing to run my first marathon at the end of September.

My younger sister and I both have CF. Growing up, I tried to be a role model for her in managing the day-to-day challenges. Today, she is the one inspiring me.

I’ve been a runner for most of my life. After having to drop out of three previous marathons because of my CF, I was finally ready to run this year’s Boston Marathon.

For me, exercise has been a magical treatment for my cystic fibrosis. I have found that our bodies respond to the demands put on them, so train your body to meet a fitness goal, and your strength and endurance will improve.

After a childhood spent running, I had largely given it up by the time I became an adult. But five years ago, it became my outlet. CF and COVID-19 temporarily sidelined me, but as long as there is air in my lungs, I won’t ever give up.

I thought my exercise capacity on continuous oxygen would decrease. Thanks to the support from others and high-intensity interval training, my exercise capacity actually increased.

Although I had my doubts, I was able to hike the Oregon Coast Trail and learn about myself while doing it.

My feisty, athletic nature has gotten me through two double-lung transplants. Although my active lifestyle is different than before, I have embraced brand-new competitive pursuits that have helped me develop the mental fortitude to overcome medical adversity.

I stopped exercising regularly after losing my mother (and workout partner) to cancer. Once I started doing virtual fitness classes during the pandemic, I began to feel stronger and healthier, both mentally and physically.