Rebecca D.'s Essay

What have I learned from having Cystic Fibrosis…

There is no limit to the exceptional life you can live, even with CF, no, especially with CF. I discover so often that having Cystic Fibrosis is an immense blessing, an advantage in life; it teaches me invaluable lessons that I can use in every other aspect of my life to propel me towards my dreams. A lifetime of faithfully taking care of myself has not only allowed me the health to pole vault, perform in musical theatre and write music, but it also instructs me in discipline, persistence, and how to work hard for what is important to me. All of these lessons help me to clear that high crossbar when I pole vault, to practice until I can sing that new song masterfully, and to persist in auditioning for theatre until I land on Broadway! I am so grateful for each new day, and not because I will have fewer of them, as now, due to wonderfully effective new treatments, those with CF have the chance to live as long as anyone, but because it is a God-given opportunity to rock the world. Shatter all expectations as you rise above them. Live your life without limits. There’s no stopping anyone with CF if you just keep a smile on your face, and keep passionately and determinedly sprinting after your dreams.