I was recently diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at age 67. Although I love my CF care team, I think it will be important for them to understand age-related care in addition to CF care — especially as the CF population ages.
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At times, my pediatric CF care team told me about the possible negative outcomes of my cystic fibrosis. Their gentle support helped prepare me for unexpected good health, and is one reason why I was able to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
I was recently diagnosed at 69 years old. Although it helped explain why I had been sick so often and gave me a new community, I can’t help but think about the lost time when my disease went untreated.
My life was turned upside down when I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis caused by a rare mutation, but my passion for figure skating has helped me stay healthy and happy through it all.
My wife and I were heartbroken when our daughter, Ruth, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as a newborn. But CF can’t stop us from being optimistic about what the future holds for our family.
After managing various chronic symptoms my whole life, I was finally diagnosed with CF as an adult. As I struggled to cope with the news, my community rallied around me and taught me what true support looks like.
My son, Keith, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer after an initial focus on CF as the cause of his health issues. With people with CF living longer, we need more awareness of pancreatic cancer in CF individuals due to the potential increased risk.
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.
Since my daughter, Kinley’s, cystic fibrosis diagnosis, I have come to rely on her care team. We have become a true team in Kinley’s care.
Working as part of a cystic fibrosis care team gives me the opportunity to provide the type of personal care I’m passionate about — I just hope my patients understand how much we are invested in their well-being.