Cystic Fibrosis News Today Columns

May 13, 2022May 13, 2022

9 Things Cystic Fibrosis Taught Me About Life

Cystic Fibrosis News Today Columns

My mom has always said that “in adversity there is blessing.” For Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month I wanted to share the golden nuggets of wisdom I’ve been blessed to learn ... Read more

May 12, 2022May 12, 2022

‘When I Grow Up’: Aging With CF Is a Gift

Cystic Fibrosis News Today Columns

The song “When I Grow Up” helps open the second act of “Matilda the Musical.” The show, which ran on Broadway, is based on the book by Roald Dahl and ... Read more

May 11, 2022May 11, 2022

Are Emotional Spoon Shortages Driving Your Exhaustion?

Cystic Fibrosis News Today Columns

I’m beginning to rethink the sources of my fatigue. Yes, sickness and physical activity are still real sources of exhaustion, but I’m realizing I’ve neglected a deeper flavor of struggle. ... Read more

May 5, 2022May 5, 2022

‘Welcome to the Renaissance’: A New Beginning for CF Patients

COVID-19 Columns, Cystic Fibrosis News Today Columns

“Welcome to the Renaissance” is the opening number of a musical comedy I discovered in 2019 called “Something Rotten!” The show follows the Bottom brothers through the development of a ... Read more

April 29, 2022April 29, 2022

Protecting My Health Against Stress Is Essential

COVID-19 Columns, Cystic Fibrosis News Today Columns

The world demands my constant attention. Everything that comes across my news feed is presented as an emergency. The pressure to know the latest and greatest is at an all-time ... Read more

April 28, 2022April 28, 2022

‘The Next Right Thing’: Overcoming Burnout

Cystic Fibrosis News Today Columns

Burnout. Everyone knows the feeling, especially patients and their advocates. My burnout stems from the ongoing pandemic and the harsh contrast between government mandates and doctor advice. It stems from ... Read more

April 22, 2022April 22, 2022

Turning Problems Into Solutions Requires Energy

COVID-19 Columns, Cystic Fibrosis News Today Columns

A few weeks ago, I started writing about the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) director’s ableist comment, in which she claimed that masks are the “scarlet letter” ... Read more

April 21, 2022April 21, 2022

The Importance of Support Systems When Managing Chronic Illness

Cystic Fibrosis News Today Columns

I recently discovered “Diana: The Musical,” which follows Princess Diana and Prince Charles through their short-lived relationship. Much like Diana herself, the show is severely underappreciated. I identified with Diana ... Read more

April 19, 2022April 19, 2022

The Shame of Feeling Like a Burden Makes It Hard to Receive Care

Cystic Fibrosis News Today Columns

Every week, to confront old wounds and maybe even heal, I open my mind so my subconscious can push memories to the surface. I feel the emotions there, recall the ... Read more

April 15, 2022April 15, 2022

I’m Honored to Share My Story at Donate Life Events

Cystic Fibrosis News Today Columns

Since my double-lung transplant four years ago, I’ve shared my story in several arenas. I’m passionate about spreading awareness about organ donation and how my life was able to continue ... Read more

April 14, 2022April 14, 2022

‘Everybody Fits’: How Neurodivergence Affected My CF Journey

Cystic Fibrosis News Today Columns

In honor of National Autism Awareness Month, I wanted to write about neurodivergence, a term used when a person’s brain operates differently from what is typical (also known as neurodiversity). ... Read more

April 8, 2022April 8, 2022

Burnout, Bumps, and Bruises: Learning to Accept My Chronic Illnesses

Cystic Fibrosis News Today Columns

I’m just going to come right out and say it: I don’t want to write about being chronically ill this week. Specifically, I don’t want to be chronically ill this ... Read more

April 7, 2022April 7, 2022

‘I Believe’: Blind Faith vs. Blind Trust

COVID-19 Columns, Cystic Fibrosis News Today Columns

I’ve written about coping mechanisms before and the various ways they’ve kept me sane during my journey with cystic fibrosis (CF). Some include writing, the performing arts, and a dark ... Read more

March 31, 2022March 31, 2022

‘Schadenfreude’: Experiencing Pain and Solidarity

Cystic Fibrosis News Today Columns

I became aware of the word schadenfreude during my first viewing of “Avenue Q” on Broadway. In the show, two characters discussed how one person’s pain could make another feel ... Read more

March 25, 2022March 25, 2022

Healing From Medical Trauma Is a Challenging Process

Cystic Fibrosis News Today Columns

Healing isn’t linear. The therapist in me wants to dive into the deep end, get my hands dirty, and gut out all the wounds that have compounded over my 35 ... Read more