Last August, I watched all of my friends head off to school and all of a sudden I was the only one left still living at home. I hadn't even graduated high school, but I was getting to experience the time-honored and popular British tradition of a taking a gap year.
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Sending our son to school was scary, but we have a plan to keep him healthy.
If your child has cystic fibrosis, chances are you have some concerns about school fitness activities like physical education classes or school sports teams. Even though some people with CF have trouble breathing and tire easily, exercise can be especially important.
Finding a Balance Between CF and High School
Growing up, I never had any doubts that I would one day go off to college and pursue a career, despite having cystic fibrosis. But when the time came to prepare to attend Marquette University and live on my own in Milwaukee, I knew I would need a plan in order to make my transition to college life as smooth as possible.
As a teacher with cystic fibrosis, I find it no surprise that heading back to school can be a shock to my system. But over the years, I've learned that if I can remember three main things, I can stay healthy through the transition back to school.
During my five months in Denmark for a study abroad program, I not only learned more about myself and others, but I became more confident in my ability to take care of myself. Don't let CF stand in the way of experiencing that, or any other dreams.
As a high school nurse responsible for 1,200 students — three of whom have cystic fibrosis — I'm finding this upcoming school year to be particularly challenging. Here is how I implemented a plan of action to keep each student safe while balancing their specific needs.
Life -- especially when you have cystic fibrosis -- is what you make it. Here is how my CF inspired me to attend law school and helped me get to where I am today.