After turning 60, I decided to mark the milestone by creating a “living list,” 60 things I could do to raise awareness and money for cystic fibrosis care.
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My exercise routine has gone through quite an evolution from college to motherhood and life on the transplant list.
When I was diagnosed with CF at 22, I was relieved. I could start treating the disease we'd been trying to identify for years. But after the initial excitement, I started facing issues of denial, anger and confusion…so I ran.
After a childhood spent running, I had largely given it up by the time I became an adult. But five years ago, it became my outlet. CF and COVID-19 temporarily sidelined me, but as long as there is air in my lungs, I won’t ever give up.
I thought my exercise capacity on continuous oxygen would decrease. Thanks to the support from others and high-intensity interval training, my exercise capacity actually increased.
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.
Although I had my doubts, I was able to hike the Oregon Coast Trail and learn about myself while doing it.
I initially struggled with how to share about my cystic fibrosis with people I met when I started college. Here’s what I learned.
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.
As a personal trainer, I used to feel insecure about the physical effects of CF on my body. But over time, I’ve learned that my strength is defined by so much more than my appearance.