Cystic Fibrosis News Today Columns

July 29, 2022July 29, 2022

The Benefits of Having a Coach During the Transplant Process

Cystic Fibrosis News Today Columns

When I started evaluation for my double-lung transplant in spring 2015, I didn’t have any friends in the cystic fibrosis community. As I took the brave step to join Facebook ... Read more

July 28, 2022July 28, 2022

‘Astonishing’ Acts of Feminism Throughout My Journey With CF

COVID-19 Columns, Cystic Fibrosis News Today Columns

In the musical “Little Women,” each of the four March sisters has an artistic talent. Jo March’s song “Astonishing,” a feminist lament about her ever-changing path toward writing, is particularly ... Read more

July 22, 2022July 22, 2022

I Want to Feel Comfortable Going to the Clinic Again

COVID-19 Columns, Cystic Fibrosis News Today Columns

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve never met my current pulmonary care provider in person, and I keep putting off my face-to-face appointment. I moved from Alabama to Arkansas for ... Read more

July 21, 2022July 21, 2022

‘You Two’: The Therapeutic Power of Pets for CF Patients

Cystic Fibrosis News Today Columns

The song “You Two” from “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” inspired my dream of adopting twins from a young age. To this day, I’m not sure if the kids in the ... Read more

July 15, 2022July 15, 2022

Not Hiding Anymore: Embracing My Cystic Fibrosis Has Changed My Life

Cystic Fibrosis News Today Columns

I spent the majority of my life trying to hide my disability, so celebrating Disability Pride Month is a bit ironic for me. Who knew that my journey with cystic ... Read more

July 14, 2022July 14, 2022

Why I Developed a Fear of Airplanes as an Adult With CF

COVID-19 Columns, Cystic Fibrosis News Today Columns

As a cystic fibrosis (CF) patient and advocate, I’ve been asked to travel to multiple out-of-state events, but I’m afraid to travel by airplane. I haven’t always felt this way. ... Read more

July 8, 2022July 8, 2022

When Life Forces You to Pause, It’s Best Not to Argue

Cystic Fibrosis News Today Columns

If I’m being completely honest — and when I started this column, that was one of my initial promises and intentions — I’ve been struggling lately. But complete honesty doesn’t ... Read more

July 7, 2022July 7, 2022

Finding Your Identity in Matters of Life and Death

Cystic Fibrosis News Today Columns

I’m thankful to be alive. I was supposed to leave this world before I was 10 years old. At least, that’s what the data suggested when I was diagnosed with ... Read more

June 30, 2022June 30, 2022

Let’s Maintain Hope, Even When History Repeats Itself

Cystic Fibrosis News Today Columns

I recently watched the 2021 remake of “West Side Story.” It was my first viewing of the musical, a surprising twist if you’ve read my columns. In short, I’m obsessed ... Read more

June 24, 2022June 24, 2022

How I’m Healing From PTSD Caused by Medical Trauma

Cystic Fibrosis News Today Columns

I used to think my medical trauma was normal. Doesn’t everyone with chronic illness go through traumatic experiences and not talk about them? When therapists helped me understand that I ... Read more

June 23, 2022June 23, 2022

How I Turned My Cystic Fibrosis Advocacy Into Part of My Career

Cystic Fibrosis News Today Columns

“Something Rotten!” is one of my favorite Broadway shows. I wrote about this musical comedy before in a piece titled “‘Welcome to the Renaissance’: A New Beginning for CF Patients.” ... Read more

June 16, 2022June 16, 2022

I Must Use My Energy Wisely, but Use It I Can

COVID-19 Columns, Cystic Fibrosis News Today Columns

When my body feels like it’s running on fumes and I’m in need of a pick-me-up, I watch the musical comedy “Once Upon a Mattress.” The story, which famously starred ... Read more

June 16, 2022June 17, 2022

I Must Use My Energy Wisely, but Use It I Can

COVID-19 Columns, Cystic Fibrosis News Today Columns

When my body feels like it’s running on fumes and I’m in need of a pick-me-up, I watch the musical comedy “Once Upon a Mattress.” The story, which famously starred ... Read more

June 10, 2022June 10, 2022

How I Cope With Loneliness While Living With Chronic Illness

Cystic Fibrosis News Today Columns

Living with chronic illness is often a lonely road. Born with cystic fibrosis (CF), I’ve often struggled with isolation, feeling alone, and living a different lifestyle from most people. Before ... Read more

June 10, 2022June 17, 2022

How I Cope With Loneliness While Living With Chronic Illness

Cystic Fibrosis News Today Columns

Living with chronic illness is often a lonely road. Born with cystic fibrosis (CF), I’ve often struggled with isolation, feeling alone, and living a different lifestyle from most people. Before ... Read more