Robyn H.'s Essay

Living Life with CF

Living with CF has taught me to value everything in life. Since I was diagnosed at 16, I was forced to live life differently. It helped to know what was wrong with me, so I could treat it effectively. Before I thought I had my life planned out, then I had to stop and reevaluate my plans for the future. At first I thought my life was over, but after starting to feel better after being treated, I realized I can still accomplish all my goals even with a few sidetracks.

Being hospitalized was a new thing for me. Because excelling in school is so important to me, getting sick and having to miss school drove me crazy. It still does, but I’m trying to learn how to take a slower pace when necessary. I think I’m the only student who objects when her mom or teacher tells her that she should stay home from school. I never want to miss a minute of life, even if I have the flu. The doctors do not support this motto. They are looking at the long range goals, while I’m still focusing on every day.

I have to start thinking differently now and try to blend my long term goals with every day goals. I think everyone should live life to the fullest, because you never know how long you have to live, whether you have an illness or not.