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I’ve learned that paying too much attention to the idealized lives of people on social media can give me a skewed vision of my own.

At age 5, my daughter started to feel the traumatic emotional effects of cystic fibrosis. Fortunately, the care center’s social worker helped her find a healthy path through it.

I wish people knew that even if I don’t look sick, I still struggle with the mental and physical aspects of cystic fibrosis. Even my family and friends don’t truly understand what this disease does to your mental health.

As a mother with cystic fibrosis, I have learned to prioritize my mental and physical health in order to stay healthy for my two young daughters. I have invited them to come alongside me on my journey as we cherish the little moments in our lives.

Art has been my therapy throughout my life, but it took on new meaning when I had a daughter with cystic fibrosis. Now creating artwork helps carry me through the stress of CF life.

As I continue to realize the benefits of Trikafta^® and my daughter grows up and needs me less, I feel as though I’m losing key parts of my identity — being a person with cystic fibrosis and a mother. However, I’m also finding I have room to let myself grow and explore different sides of myself.

Learning that my daughter has cystic fibrosis has been a struggle for me and my family, especially as I deal with postpartum depression. 

After decades of identifying myself as Monique, “the girl with cystic fibrosis,” I didn’t know who I was anymore after Trikafta changed my health for the better.

Having cystic fibrosis has been a double-edged sword. CF has caused suffering, but it also has given me the perspective to embrace my life.