When I was in high school, I tried my best to hide my CF from my friends. When this put my health at risk, I knew I had to find friends who would accept me and to become a better advocate for myself.
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Growing up with cystic fibrosis was often lonely, but discovering how to make myself and others laugh helped me navigate those years and gave me a purpose in life.
After my partner was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, I had to learn how to support her and keep myself from getting rundown. Over time, I have learned that doing small things, such as ordering medicines, can be enormously helpful.
Cystic fibrosis kept me from thinking that I’d ever get married, but my improved health made my dream wedding possible. Three approaches helped me manage my CF while celebrating the happiest day of my life.
A chance meeting at a CF conference 12 years ago gave me one of the most valuable gifts: my CF Mama friend group. Since then, we’ve invested time in our friendship and supported each other through the laughs and the tears.
As someone with cystic fibrosis, I struggled with the fact that I might be a burden to those who helped care for me. Things changed when I married Ramón and learned the true meaning of caregiving.
My friendship with Judy, who had cystic fibrosis, helped me see how I could accomplish my career goals despite my own chronic illness. Unfortunately, she died six years ago, but her inspiration lives on, and I know she would be proud of me.
As an adult with cystic fibrosis, I know I am blessed to be healthy right now. I find joy in spreading awareness of CF and encouraging others to follow their dreams no matter what.
Despite my cystic fibrosis, my relationship with my daughter continues to grow stronger each time we are together. She doesn't care about what I can or can't do physically. She just loves me unconditionally.
When you have a daughter with cystic fibrosis, your mornings become a tightly choreographed routine of treatments and getting ready for work and school. Add a sickness to it, and the routine becomes more complex, the pace more frenetic, and the worries more urgent.