Kellisa M.'s Essay

With every breath I take,
I am grateful.
My body has an inherited genetic defect
that tries to steal my breath away.
This terrible disease, Cystic Fibrosis,
has even tried to steal my life.
But I remain defiant,
with the help of pulsating compressors
And life saving medications
I continue to breathe, to live.
With every breath I take,
I joyfully embrace each moment of every day.
With every breath I take,
I treasure even the smallest blessings in life.
The warmth of the sun and the laughter of a friend
can make my heart sing.
Don’t look at the tubes that are attached to my chest,
they deliver medications that fight my lung infections.
Don’t look at the tubes that are attached to my stomach,
they deliver nourishment that sustains my body.
Look at me and see the strong woman
that living with CF has taught me to be.
I have become a better person
because of my daily battles with CF.
I have learned the importance of trust, acceptance,
and forgiveness of myself and others.
I have learned the importance of faith and tenacity,
especially having faith in the unseen forces that keep my strong.
Living with CF has shown me the kindness of others,
and this inspires me to want to give back to others in need.
CF has taught me to embrace my individuality and
my unique personality that has been shaped by this disease.
With every breath I take,
I am grateful.