31 Days of CF: Steven’s Story

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by Luisa Palazola |

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Day 14 of 31 Days of CF ⁣ Topic: Working Full Time⁣ ⁣ In life expectations are placed upon us to achieve milestones, and in the life of a person with cystic fibrosis everyday can feel like a milestone. I did not grow up thinking there was anything I couldn’t do. Limitations were not a conversation my family and I ever had. Entering the workforce after four years of college was no different. I feel fortunate that this was the case for me because I know this is not everyone’s experience. Because of this understanding I choose to make volunteering a big part of my life as well. I also feel that because I am able I should and do give back. It is important not just to my local community but the CF community as well.⁣ ⁣ At the age of 30 I am working full time as a financial planner helping individuals and businesses to achieve their financial goals. I also serve on two non-profit boards, The Arc of Northern Virginia as a member of the finance and executive committees and The Falls Church Little League as the volunteer coordinator. Sports have been a huge part of my life so I also coach youth sports year round. I am also currently serving on the STRC Steering Committee for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. I have spoken at the FDA with CTTI and been asked to join patient advisory councils for Johns Hopkins and Vertex.⁣ ⁣ All these activities and being a full time husband, dog dad and person living with cystic fibrosis seems like a lot. What I wouldn’t give to have the time back that CF demands! Has cystic fibrosis gotten in the way of these activities; absolutely, will it stop me; never. I have had a PICC Line under a suit doing infusions during a meeting and running with my basketball team often ends in a coughing fit, yet I am motivated to carry on. The expectations I have set for myself are far too great to quit or slow down. I do push myself too hard at times and am always thankful for all the support in my life. As a financial planner it is important for me to be saving for my retirement, which I am, and hope to spend on the beach somewhere. There are many years of hard work ahead to get there and I embrace that and redefining a life with cystic fibrosis!

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About the Author

Luisa Palazola avatar
Luisa Palazola Luisa Palazola is a 25-year-old with CF living in Memphis, Tennessee. She injects her perspective as a Hispanic woman and her love for life and stories in all her interactions. In her downtime, she's learning Portuguese and is an avid coffee lover.

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