Growing up, I struggled with wanting to feel “normal” because I was bullied and judged by my peers for my cystic fibrosis. But then I found genuine friendship in college and learned what it means to feel truly supported.
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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.
I began volunteering as a way to support my cousin with CF. But over time, I discovered the community and impact that can come from even the smallest efforts.
I suffered a great deal of damage growing up with cystic fibrosis in a small Appalachian town — physically and emotionally. But with a lot of hard work, I have been able to overcome some of the emotional scars.
To date, the CF Foundation has funded more than $1 million to programs created by and for the CF community.
We’re highlighting three creators who are helping raise cystic fibrosis awareness. They’re voicing the variety of ways that people experience the disease by sharing a part of their life through their works.
Driven by a career in community health and a late cystic fibrosis diagnosis, I discovered my purpose through volunteering with the CF Foundation. Inspired by the power of connecting with my peers, I went on to develop my own program designed to support other adults in the CF community.
Cystic fibrosis defined my identity for many years until I participated in clinical trials for Trikafta®. As my health improved, I struggled to figure out what this meant for my sense of self. This experience motivated me to help other young adults with CF navigate the many changes that modulators can bring.
Having cystic fibrosis means that hospitalizations are nothing new to me. But as I get older, I am much more aware of all the events I'm missing out on — birthdays, concerts, and school field trips. So this fall, I decided to take my life back from cystic fibrosis.
Growing up with CF was hard, but my parents helped me learn how to cope by both encouraging me to fight and allowing me space to complain.