My brother’s optimism despite living with cystic fibrosis has inspired me to advocate, share his story, and use my voice to push for positive change.
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Marissa Benchea and Jeremy and Rachel Olimb to lead the Foundation’s volunteer advocacy base into a new chapter of CF
Now that I am feeling healthy on Trikafta®, I no longer feel special for thriving despite the challenges of cystic fibrosis. I don’t feel like I belong in the CF community anymore, and I miss that sense of camaraderie that comes from a shared struggle.
Despite the scars and appearance-altering side effects of medications, I am proud of what my body has survived in the face of cystic fibrosis. Being a brand ambassador has lifted my spirits and led to a greater acceptance of my body, which has withstood a double-lung transplant, a feeding tube, and a port.
More than 160 people with CF and their loved ones from across the country advocated for a more robust antibiotics pipeline during the CF Foundation's virtual March on the Hill.
At 34, I had no obvious symptoms or family history of colon cancer. My body was telling me something was wrong and compelled me to push for more tests to reach a diagnosis. Now every day I get up and learn to be comfortable living in the uncomfortable. With more screenings happening earlier, you may never have to.
When I was in college, I wanted to do it all and my health wasn’t as much of a priority anymore. I learned to accept that things will not always go according to plan and to integrate routine in my life to ensure my health comes first.
One of the reasons I decided to attend boarding school was to take charge of my cystic fibrosis care. Although I’m not perfect at taking care of myself, I learned that the importance of staying on top of treatments when my parents gave me the chance to fail.
Bill will jump-start rebuilding of the antibiotics pipeline that is vital to stave off a looming pandemic.
More than 60 teens from across the country — 25 of whom live with cystic fibrosis — participated online and on Capitol Hill in the Foundation’s Teen Advocacy Day to advocate for the CF community.