Living with CF by Jared T.

How CF Has Affected My Life and Family

Cystic Fibrosis is a disease that affects 30,000 people in the United States. On paper, it affects the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. In reality, not only does it affect physical health, but it also affects socialization, mental health, and relationships. Sometimes trying to balance good health and living life means making difficult choices.
Because of my disease, I have learned perseverance. The fact that I have CF has no effect on my achievement. I am an eagle scout, an accomplished musician,  and an honor student. These have not come without challenges, such as getting school work done in the hospital, or being so sick I can not practice my trumpet, but I have learned that if I really want to do something, I can find a way to do it. I look at obstacles as challenges as opposed to deterrents. I have learned that the only way to fail is to quit.
My disease also takes its toll on my family. We have learned lessons in sacrifice and flexibility. I am one of four children, two of which have CF. When my brother or I are in the hospital, we have to give up one parent to stay at the hospital and the other parent takes care of the other three. When we have family outings, we have to consider our daily treatments and exposure to germs. We have to get creative with managing treatments and our activities.
The lessons I have learned from Cystic Fibrosis are invaluable. Given the option to have never had the disease, I would probably keep things as they are. I enjoy my life, and I would not want to change a thing, because my life is special and unique to me.