Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog. Even if you never come to this blog again, it still means a lot that you visited at least once. My big secret is that I have Cystic Fibrosis (CF). I've actually been in denial my whole life until recently.
I was diagnosed as a young infant. For those of you who may not know much about CF, the average person lives to be 36. I'm 28, but each person's body will deal with the genetic disease differently and a statistical number will be no boundary for me! When I was born in 1983, the doctors basically told my parents do their best and I might make it through high school. Modern medicine, however, has improved the life of people with the disease. Overall, CF can effect many things. The main issues are related to the respiratory and digestive systems. Because my pancreas doesn't produce insulin like a "normal" functioning one would, I am required to take enzymes with each meal to help me absorb the nutrients. Many of you might now understand why I'm so short and skinny (but a healthy weight). Friends and family that spend a lot of time with me know I'm always coughing and often sick. It's because my lungs are bogged down with thick mucus and it's really hard for me to get it out. Believe me, I get annoyed by my own coughing too! In order to combat this challenge, I do breathing treatments daily. My medicine is expensive so insurance is super important. For example, some of my quarterly meds are up to $7,000 (without insurance).
Recently I feel like God has asked me to open up about this so He can receive glory in some way. I am also tired of "hiding" it and making excuses. It may be hard to believe, but I have learned more about CF in the last couple weeks than I have my whole life. I have discovered there is a great deal of support available, milestones, pain and unfortunately short lives, but I must make the best of it and with your help it will make it even easier. In closing, my journey will be what it will be, but I am hopeful. Thank you to those who are going to stick with me during my "CF Journey". Remember to live life and laugh often! Be thankful every day for each part of your body that is healthy because you never know when it might not be that way again. I'm grateful everyday when I get to sing because that's me telling CF that it has no hold over me.
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I appreciate all the support and prayers. No matter what happens, God is always GOOD.
I appreciate all the support and prayers. No matter what happens, God is always GOOD.