We’re highlighting three creators who are helping raise cystic fibrosis awareness. They’re voicing the variety of ways that people experience the disease by sharing a part of their life through their works.
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Driven by a career in community health and a late cystic fibrosis diagnosis, I discovered my purpose through volunteering with the CF Foundation. Inspired by the power of connecting with my peers, I went on to develop my own program designed to support other adults in the CF community.
Our hearts stopped when we first heard that our grandson, Jase, had cystic fibrosis. We didn't even know what it was. However, we have learned a lot along the way and have gotten used to rolling with the ups and downs of this disease.
When the pandemic started, I started to feel lost and disconnected. That changed when I was introduced to a new program from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation that taught me how to share my CF story with confidence.
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.
After I had to go on disability to focus on taking care of my health, I got involved with the CF community and volunteered with Community Voice. Little did I know it would help me when I needed it most.
For a new parent of a child with cystic fibrosis, it can be an enormous help to speak to other parents in the same situation. The support and shared knowledge offered by another mother made a huge impact on me when my newborn son was diagnosed with CF.
Although I have no personal ties to people with cystic fibrosis, I developed my own connection to the disease -- first as a biology student understanding the science behind CF, and second as a member of the Tomorrow's Leaders College Program, where I learned about the people behind the statistics.
Since I could remember, my sister shared her CF story to raise awareness, and she inspired me to do the same. Now, with this year's Teen Advocacy Day, we finally get to advocate together.