31 Days of CF: On This CF Journey, My Husband Is My Rock

From left, Roman (a “bonus kid”), Shannon’s husband, Jason, Shannon, and Gavin (another “bonus kid). Photo courtesy of Shannon Miller

Day 14 of 31

This is Shannon Miller’s story:

Hi, I’m Shannon! I have cystic fibrosis (CF) and was married for seven years before getting divorced and then reconnecting with my now husband, Jason, whom I’ve known since childhood. Jason was stationed in South Korea in the U.S. Air Force at the time we reconnected, and we married in 2010.

CF and relationships are not always easy. I’m blessed to have a husband who is very supportive. He has since retired from the Air Force after 20 years of service and is working a civilian job as a second career.

I was evaluated for a cystic fibrosis-related lung transplant in 2016. My husband was with me the whole way, which was so helpful. We had to have the hard discussions about what would happen if I don’t make it to transplant, or if the lung transplant for my cystic fibrosis doesn’t work out. I don’t know what I would do without his support. I’m so glad we can have the tough talks and that I’m not in this alone.

While I was evaluated for a transplant in 2016, I haven’t been placed on the waiting list to receive one.

My mom passed away that same year, which took me through a very dark period and made my depression much worse. My husband has helped me so much, along with my antidepressants and counseling.

Depression and CF really go hand in hand. Knowing you have an incurable genetic disease is bound to mess with you. Being a caregiver to someone who has CF is not an easy job. I try to do everything I can on my own because I am very independent, but there are times that Jason must step in. I appreciate him so much — I would say more than he knows, but he would argue with me about that.

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.