Adults With CF Can Connect at BreatheCon
A two-day virtual event called BreatheCon will offer adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) an opportunity to connect and share their experiences through open and honest dialogue.
Registration for the Sept. 24–25 event, which is hosted by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, is free online.
“CF can be extremely isolating, but it can feel even more so when it feels like there’s no one like you in the community,” Tannaz Motevalli, one of the event planners, said in an accompanying video.
“It’s extremely important that we learn how to be a community where no one feels alone when collecting with others with CF,” they added.
This year’s BreatheCon will include, for the first time, a matching program for newer participants: attendees for whom this is their first or second BreatheCon will be paired with a veteran of the event, who will be in touch before the event starts and serve as a point of contact to answer questions and help newcomers navigate the online event space.
BreatheCon will kick off at 6:15 p.m. Sept. 24. The first day will feature an opening talk by three adults living with CF, two of whom are the event’s co-chairs. There also will be an artist showcase and an online “happy hour” where attendees can break into small groups for discussions.
The event resumes the next afternoon. The second day of BreatheCon will include a variety of sessions in which experts will talk about specific aspects of navigating life with CF, ranging from ensuring adequate nutrition, to navigating challenges with insurance, to mental health considerations.
There will be talks about Trikafta, a triple-combination therapy for CF caused by certain mutations, as well as opportunities for participants to engage in physical exercise and improvisational comedy. The second day also will feature several chances for small group discussions, and the event’s last day will conclude with a second happy hour.
Attendees at BreatheCon are asked to adhere to certain community guidelines, including refraining from offensive speech, being respectful of others’ life experiences, and keeping breakout videos and chats confidential. Attendees also are asked to use their real identity in the online space, and not to ask for or give medical advice.
For more information about BreatheCon, email the organizers at [email protected].
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