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.
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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 I was told to stick with sprints because my cystic fibrosis would make it hard to become a distance runner, I was determined to prove that this disease won’t hold me back from my goals.
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.
At first, it was easy to get my son to do his cystic fibrosis treatments. But as he got older, he started to hide his medications, rather than take them. I finally learned how to get him to see the importance of taking his medications.
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.
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.
In the summer months, some things require special attention for people with cystic fibrosis.
It took me 38 years to find a fitness program to stick to. And since I started TrikaftaTM, I am even running for the first time in my life -- and almost enjoying it!
Growing up with cystic fibrosis made me feel different and like I had a lot to overcome. The road that led me to my own personal training business showed me that CF has shaped me in good ways.