When I was growing up, having a positive cystic fibrosis diagnosis did not automatically mean that I got the care and treatments I needed. It wasn't until my 22nd birthday, when I was in poor health, that I decided I needed to get healthy and speak out for myself.
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I have found that the limits cystic fibrosis imposes on my life are a bit like weather forecasts -- open to unexpected changes. Whether by hard-fought scientific advances, thoughtful (personal) planning, creative thinking or sheer luck, many of the limits of CF now come with beautiful possibilities attached.
My advice to all of you … CONNECT, CONNECT, CONNECT with others who share your passion in the fight against cystic fibrosis.
Starting at 6 months of age, I began my daily journey battling my chronic illness, cystic fibrosis. And now, at 28, my heart is heavy because one of my nearest and dearest caregivers passed away unexpectedly … my father.
Being a part of the CF Foundation has given me so much more than I could have ever imagined. That is why my wife, Nanette, and I have made a commitment to people with cystic fibrosis for years to come by making a legacy gift, an enduring statement of our values.
Hollywood often portrays people with serious illnesses as brave, inspirational characters. I don't always feel that way, and sometimes the real "fight" is facing that fact.
There are no easy remedies for the perpetual dance that the parents of a chronically ill child do to deal with the painful and enduring isolation. And personally, I found a sense of hopeless defeat.
Some days, the biggest struggle I have is accepting that I have CF.
Although my lung transplant was the end of one story, it was also the beginning of another, more difficult story.
Today I am proud to introduce More Than CF. Your struggles, your achievements, your routines and the small surprises of your every day breathe life into the Foundation's work. You can get involved by sharing your experiences with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and by searching #morethanCF.