Day 53 - Breathe Bravely Challenge

Finding the beauty in every breath. 

When it is finally revealed that I have CF, people generally give me a blank stare and smile, not knowing what exactly CF is. I can't blame them, as CF is something only around 30,000 people have in the United States. Many people have heard of CF, but don’t know exactly what it is. Also, CF is such a complex and somewhat confusing disease that it is difficult to give a "general" explanation.  There is so much about CF that I myself don’t understand, so it's even difficult for me to give an adequate, concise, and understandable explanation. 

Cystic Fibrosis is a fatal lung disease that affects over 30,000 people in the United States. Caused by a defective gene, CF causes the body to produce a thick sticky mucus that:
         
-       congests the lungs and causes scarring, decreased lung function, and life threatening lung infections resulting in hospitalizations, endless usage of antibiotics and drugs, and ultimately respiratory failure.  

My lungs are temperamental and can get really “angry.”

-       prevents the pancreas from breaking down food via natural enzymes and obstructs vital absorption of nutrients resulting in malnutrition/vitamin deficiency thus there being a need for increased calorie consumption, vitamin supplements, and/or a feeding tube.

No absorption of nutrients/fats = EAT. EAT. EAT.

 CF is such a complex disease that not only impacts the lungs and pancreas, but every part of the body: heart, sinuses, kidneys, liver, reproductive organs, and the skeletal system just to name a few more. Because there are over 1,800 different mutations of CF, it can be difficult to give a single comprehensive definition.
 I’ve never been one to do things simply, so why should CF be any different? From the most complex and confusing parts of my life to the most simple, all are what make my journey unique and beautiful: CF and all. Love to you all.
 Fight CF

-       The Great Strides Walk is looking for volunteers to help set up and tear down. Come and help us make this day most incredible for all the families and friends fighting for a cure for CF. Please message me for details on how you can help share goodness for all impacted by CF. breathebravely@gmail.com or message me on Facebook.
 Saturday, May 30, 2015Spencer Park, Sioux Falls, SD