Michael Burke bicycled 480 miles in six days to raise money for cystic fibrosis — an unprecedented challenge that he used to think was impossible until advances in CF care helped him live boldly.
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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.
Although I admired bodybuilders when I was growing up, I thought pumping iron and building muscle was impossible with cystic fibrosis — so I didn’t even try. After a hospitalization, my passion for fitness was rekindled and I discovered I could build muscle mass and improve my health.
Growing up, I always tried to stay active, but it wasn’t until I was hospitalized that I decided martial arts would be the outlet to keep me healthy and boost my confidence.
When I realized how much my nutrition strategy was impacting my performance as a marathon runner, I decided to reevaluate my plan to be more intentional about how to best fuel my body before running.
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.
When my wife convinced me to undertake a hike up to Angel's Landing, I pictured the physical challenge of it, not the friendship we would develop with another couple on the way up.
After starting Trikafta, I decided to try running again, and I grew to love it. Because of COVID, I had to conduct my own races in 2020, but now I have joined a running group and am preparing to run my first marathon at the end of September.
When I was in high school, I tried my best to hide my CF from my friends. When this put my health at risk, I knew I had to find friends who would accept me and to become a better advocate for myself.
My younger sister and I both have CF. Growing up, I tried to be a role model for her in managing the day-to-day challenges. Today, she is the one inspiring me.