As a social worker, my career has been primarily focused on crisis intervention and psychiatric hospitalizations for those with mental illness. It wasn't until I received a double-lung transplant that I learned firsthand just how important mental health and trauma management can be.
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With another fantastic Volunteer Leadership Conference (VLC) in the books, I want to share some of the things we learned and how we can keep the momentum going through National Volunteer Week, and all year long.
Cystic fibrosis has brought countless treatments, hospitalizations, and hardships, leaving me with an overwhelming amount of emotions. When I found painting, not only did I find a new hobby, but I learned a way to escape by turning my emotions into artwork.
My life after a 2011 lung transplant was going along smoothly -- until chronic rejection and the wait for new lungs while hospitalized took me to my physical and emotional limits.
For people with cystic fibrosis, our story is the most powerful tool we have to stand up for ourselves and fight for our needs. Although I can't always be there to share my story with legislators in person, I'll be joining many others from the CF community for our first March on the Hill Online Day of Action to make my voice heard.
Although I'm self-reliant, after I experienced a trauma, I realized that it was okay to ask for help.
Participating in clinical trials can be scary, but the sense of empowerment you get from knowing that you are contributing to a cure outweighs any second thoughts.
I have found that using simple techniques help me cope much more effectively with cystic fibrosis -- and all that can go along with it.
When you are waiting to be listed for a lung transplant, it can feel like you're in limbo. Through the many frustrations and uncertainties, I've learned that it's important to get support -- not only for my physical health, but for my emotional health as well.
Although I wasn't sure that I'd still be thriving and working at the age of 44, I was fortunate enough to have people who encouraged me to plan for the future despite my CF diagnosis. That's why I'm pleased to introduce a new resource available from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.