I was nervous about deciding to go to college — how would CF and the intensity of college fit together? There have been more than a few bumps along the way, but I’ve learned that through everything, I got this.
Site Search
I initially struggled with how to share about my cystic fibrosis with people I met when I started college. Here’s what I learned.
My transition from pediatric to adult care filled me with anxiety and proved to be much more difficult than how the experience was described to me. But, when care centers work together with their patients and listen to their concerns, we can improve cystic fibrosis care and address concerns much sooner.
When I was in college, I wanted to do it all and my health wasn’t as much of a priority anymore. I learned to accept that things will not always go according to plan and to integrate routine in my life to ensure my health comes first.
When I went off to college it was up to me to manage my cystic fibrosis for the first time without help from my family. I felt fine after skipping my medications and decided to stop using my noisy vest because it embarrassed me, and I wanted to make friends at my new school. As a result, I stayed in the hospital for a few weeks and left with a new perspective on life.
The cystic fibrosis care model is evolving to support people living longer with CF and their increasingly diverse health needs. Catalyzed by the approval of Trikafta® and the COVID-19 pandemic, this adaptive and personalized care model encompasses novel ways to connect clinicians and patients.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation hosted a Congressional briefing on February 11 to discuss the benefits of the Foundation's model of specialized, coordinated care and its innovative strategies for drug development, and how they can serve as an example for other rare, chronic diseases.
Tomorrow's Leaders is a community of young professionals who come together to make a difference for those living with cystic fibrosis while growing their network, making personal connections, and developing professional skills.
As a military spouse who makes frequent moves, I have had to transition to new cystic fibrosis care centers 11 times in 21 years. Here are three things I have learned to make each changeover work.