Understanding that I suffered trauma from medical encounters during my childhood helped make me a more effective self-advocate as an adult.
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Although I had heard of cystic fibrosis, I never knew anything about the disease until a chance meeting with a member of the CF community during a networking event. Since then, I have provided donations to CF events and am in awe of the determination and attitude that people with CF have about life.
I always say that when life gives you lemons … turn around and write some Japanese-style poetry. I hope you enjoy these haikus I have written about life with cystic fibrosis.
We've only lived with our daughter Louisa's CF diagnosis for six months. Besides adjusting to her treatments and care needs, our priority has also been to talk openly about this new normal with Louisa's older brother -- in ways a 3-year-old can understand.
Dance has always been my passion, and it led me to audition for my dream reality show, “So You Think You Can Dance.” Although I never thought anything could top my experience on the show, Trikafta® has exceeded my expectations, and I am feeling better than ever.
While you are grinding through a seemingly never-ending cycle of cystic fibrosis treatments, it also can be helpful to engage in self-care activities that bring you happiness. This nurturing routine can help you keep perspective and remind you of why you are undergoing all these treatments in the first place.
Even though I've been vaccinated against COVID-19, I've been using a risk assessment tool to try to make sure that I'm still being as safe as possible.
For the most part, I have been fortunate with my cystic fibrosis in that I never needed to go into the hospital. But, that all changed in 2008. Fortunately, I was able to start using Kalydeco. My health improved, and I was able to continue my career in radio and TV.
I spent most of my life hiding the fact that I had cystic fibrosis. It was only when I fully accepted that CF was a part of me that I quit my self-destructive ways and began to enjoy life.
It's hard not to feel guilt for all those years my partner spent taking care of me as I got more and more sick from cystic fibrosis. This Valentine's Day, I'm not going to dwell on the past. I'm going to focus on how much we love and care for each other right now.