My experience traveling with cystic fibrosis has taught me that a chronic illness should never slow you down. It may require extra planning and packing, but it’s worth it and definitely doable.
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After decades of identifying myself as Monique, “the girl with cystic fibrosis,” I didn’t know who I was anymore after Trikafta changed my health for the better.
I didn’t realize how important my cystic fibrosis care team was — or how they had my back — until I stayed in a hospital where the staff had little knowledge of the needs of people with cystic fibrosis.
I was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer. After one year, I’m still fighting a tiring battle with it and cystic fibrosis, but I won’t quit.
I was not emotionally prepared the first time I saw my daughter in her vest. But now, I am thankful to have this device as a part of our daily routine to keep her lungs healthy.
I asked the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Dr. Whitney Brown about how cystic fibrosis care might change as the CF population grows, lives longer.
Now that I’m in my 40s and post-lung transplant, I’m beginning to embrace the realities of aging with cystic fibrosis. Despite the gray hairs and deepening wrinkles, I know that I am lucky to be looking forward to mammograms and menopause.
I was determined to make my dream of becoming a mother a reality despite the potential risks that pregnancy can cause for people living with CF. It certainly wasn’t easy, but the challenges of pregnancy and CF were rewarding in the end because I now have two wonderful girls who call me mom.
I had a number of professional aspirations while growing up, but cystic fibrosis caused me to play it safe. Looking back, I wonder how my life would have been different if I didn’t let CF limit me.
I have always been very interested in science, eventually leading to my career as a genomic scientist. My curiosity helped me cope with the uncertainties of cystic fibrosis, leading me to many academic, professional, and personal opportunities that gave me a more expansive view of how my different roles and identities can build upon one another.