BNS Staff, writers and editors —

Photo courtesy of Amber Dawkins Day 5 of 31 This is Amber Dawkins’ story: There are 182 pills, neatly organized in a plastic container, the days of the week labeled in bold on each of the small sections. Just enough medication to last for seven days. Inhalers, nebulizers, airway…

Photo courtesy of Jen Kyle Day 4 of 31 This is Jen Kyle’s story: When I was diagnosed at age 37, I was at the height of my teaching career and newly married. It was a blow at first, learning new meds and routines along with learning…

Photo courtesy of Wes Hawkins Day 3 of 31: This is Wes Hawkins’ story: “You can control the disease, or you can let the disease control you.” Powerful words that my cystic fibrosis specialist told my parents when I was diagnosed at 3 years old. Words my parents…

Photo courtesy of Jamie Rudnycky Day 2 of 31 This is Jamie Rudnycky’s story: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is unique to our family in that we had a life with our child before the disease appeared. We spent Louisa’s first 18 months living life without enzymes, nebulizers,…

Photo courtesy of Bailey Anne Vincent Day 31 of 31 This is Kage LaBarbera’s story: My mom has cystic fibrosis. The disease basically makes my mom’s lungs fill to the brim with slimy mucus, not unlike the stuff in Disney’s “The Princess and…

Photo courtesy of Ric Sherman Day 30 of 31 This is Ric Sherman’s story: Mutual friends had been trying to set us up for over a year. They even put together a PowerPoint presentation about why we would be a good match with very similar…

Photo courtesy of Samantha Barrett Day 29 of 31 This is Samantha Barrett’s story: I didn’t know anything about cystic fibrosis until I met Bailey. One of the best decisions I’ve ever made was auditioning for her dance company, Company 360. Over the past…

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Wyman Day 28 of 31 This is Jonathan Wyman’s story: A decade ago, I lost the excuse to complain about pain or anguish. Not that I would talk openly about my own suffering anyway, but still… That is…

Photo courtesy of Bonnie Ong Day 27 of 31 This is Bonnie Ong’s story: My friends with cystic fibrosis are now in their 30s. Something that eluded so many for so long is now considered the “average life expectancy” for people with CF. But I…

Photo courtesy of Amy Hamilton Day 26 of 31 This is Allison Steeves’ story: When families grow, the circle of love is expanded and, at the same time, the circle of worry; the two go hand in hand. Spring 2020 began with the exciting announcement…