I have faced the continuous need to self-advocate to manage my life with cystic fibrosis, particularly when facing complications post-transplant.
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My mom was always my biggest advocate and most selfless caretaker, but she went above and beyond when she also took my friend under her wing.
Melanie Lawrence, an adult with cystic fibrosis, was selected to testify before a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions subcommittee regarding the impact of antimicrobial resistance on patients who face heightened risk of infections, like those with CF.
My daughter, Lauren, didn’t know that having a lung transplant would greatly increase her risk for cancer until it was too late. Her death has taught me how important it is to know the health risks faced after transplant and our need to advocate for ourselves.
As cystic fibrosis damaged my lungs, I did all I could to make it to my university graduation before I underwent lung transplant.
When I lived with advanced lung disease, I never expected to feel good again. But after receiving a double-lung transplant, my whole world changed.