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The third plenary at this year’s North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference focused on the changing needs of the CF population that are compelling an evolution in CF care. As a person with CF, this evolution in care directly affects me as I face the challenges of living longer with this disease.
Throughout my life with cystic fibrosis, I never thought about the prospect that I would outlive my loved ones. Now that I have attended some of their funerals, the thought of my own mortality has caught up with me.
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 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.
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.
Running amidst the beauty of the Kansas countryside helps improve my lung function and mood and has even kindled a passion inside me for the environment.
After fighting an awful infection, I had written off my dreams as 'impossible.' But after encouragement from my family and plenty of training, I made it my mission to not let CF stand in my way.