Learning that my son, Rowland, has two rare cystic fibrosis variants and is currently unable to access highly effective modulator therapies was emotionally challenging and isolating for me. Then, I was introduced to another mom who could truly understand and relate to our experience. I am so grateful for not only the support we can provide to each other, but also for the friendship that grew from our connection.
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Preparing for the school year with cystic fibrosis involves careful planning and advocacy. Since my daughter, Desi, started school, I’ve learned about how to best prepare Desi, her teachers, and school administration to help ensure her education and health thrive.
After being the primary caregiver to my son for so long, I was surprised by the many emotions that came with his transition to adulthood. But I’ve learned these complicated feelings are just an opportunity for us to grow closer.
I thought I was well-prepared to have my third baby boy, but when Oliver was diagnosed with CF, everything I knew went out the window. Though the journey has been isolating at times, my family has found our new normal with support from others in the CF community.
We couldn’t wait to take our daughter home from the hospital. But when the time finally came to bring my daughter home, I began to lose confidence in myself as I tried handling all the medications and formula. With time, I built a great routine for my family and learned some tips and tricks to share with other new parents.
I have enjoyed pretty good health, so I have tried to keep my cystic fibrosis on the back burner while I pursue my passions. Sometimes, though, CF intrudes, reminding me that it’s still here.
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.
The antibiotics used to treat nontuberculous mycobacteria made me choose between the risk of hearing loss versus the reward of better lung health.
All my life, I thought I was clumsy. It turns out that I had a neurological condition, bilateral vestibular loss, that was in all likelihood caused by antibiotic use.