31 Days of CF: How I Support My Siblings

McKenna, at right, with her twin brother Adam and older brother Matt, at left, in a family photo. (Courtesy of McKenna Pozsgai)

Day 19 of 31

This is McKenna Pozsgai’s (@cf_sis_4_a_cure) story:

Hi there! My name is McKenna, I’m 22 years old and the sister of two amazing brothers: Matthew (a CF warrior) and Adam (my twin)! Throughout Matt’s journey with cystic fibrosis, I have taken on the role of becoming one of his biggest advocates and over time it has turned into my greatest passion.

How do I support him?

By being present in his fight. He will never face this disease alone. I may not be able to take his pain away, but I can do everything in my power to spread awareness and help find a cure for CF.

How do I support my sibling who doesn’t have CF?

My twin brother and I have lived very similar lives in some aspects, yet we couldn’t be more different.

He’s adventurous. I’m a home body.

He’s goes with the flow. I have to plan everything to a T.

He knows exactly what he wants to do. I’m clueless.

He wants his independence. I’m extremely needy.

But one thing we do share is our childhood. We’ve both been through so much and it was the support we gave each other that got us to where we are today. Being present for a sibling who doesn’t have CF is just as important as supporting those that do.

We did it together. Wake up, go to school, go to the hospital to see Matt, go home, then wake up and do it all again. An endless cycle. When the hardest part of admissions would come each night and I had to leave my mom and older brother behind, Adam was there. He was the constant in my life. I never could have done it without his support.

So for #cfawarenessmonth I’m wondering … how do YOU support your sibling with CF and your sibling who doesn’t have CF?

Cystic Fibrosis News Today’s 31 Days of CF campaign will publish one story per day for Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month in May. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more stories like this, using the hashtag #31DaysofCF, or read the full series.