Popular New Year’s resolutions don’t always apply to those with CF
The end of 2024 is upon us, which means it’s time to reflect on the past year and evaluate ourselves and our decisions. It’s also a time for resolution — the promise to implement…
Living Beyond — Jennifer Bleecher
Jennifer Bleecher, diagnosed with cystic fibrosis in her first few days of life, has been defying the odds of her disease for the majority of her life. She is married, has a daughter, worked as a nurse for 20 years, and then received the gift of life through a bilateral lung transplant in 2020 during the pandemic. Jennifer is the self-published author of a children’s picture book, “The Friendship Umbrella,” which teaches about being kind, helping others, and appreciating each other’s differences. Jennifer loves dogs and music, has a strong faith in God, and has always chosen to count her blessings instead of her struggles.
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My daughter’s 29th birthday prompts reflection, gratitude
This month, my beautiful daughter, Claudia, will celebrate her 29th birthday. I was 24 and living with cystic fibrosis (CF) when I became her mother. It’s now been four years since my double-lung…
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The act of giving often has a ripple effect that brightens people’s day
They say that the older you get, the faster time passes. At 53 years old, I completely agree. As I look back at the columns I’ve written in the past, I can’t believe…
The unique daily thoughts of someone living with cystic fibrosis
Many of the thoughts that cross my mind daily are specific to cystic fibrosis (CF). Recently, I’ve recognized that they’re not things that most people, including my family and healthy peers, have to…
What does palliative care mean in my post-transplant life?
I had a virtual call recently with my cystic fibrosis (CF) physician, who’s also a lung transplant expert. More recently, he obtained credentials in palliative care as well. Since my double-lung transplant…
Why September is my favorite and least favorite time of year
Here in Pennsylvania, September is my favorite month. The summer humidity is gone, the sun is still warm, but there’s a slight chill in the air that’s new. If you’re observant, you can notice…
How an insulin pump cured my CFRD-related anxiety
Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with a continuous glucose monitoring device. Not everyone will have the same response. Consult your doctor before using any new medical device. Cystic fibrosis…
Why the CF patient-doctor relationship is so unique
I learned last week that my pediatric cystic fibrosis (CF) physician had recently passed away. I say pediatric physician, but I was under his care from birth to age 44. I’m now 53.
Severe weather reminds me of the importance of electricity
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a complex disease that affects each of us differently. However, many outside factors impact our lives in ways healthy people often don’t realize. In this column, I want to…
Slowing down after transplant to smell the roses — all 65 of them
It’s utterly amazing to be able to breathe easily again, almost four years after having a double-lung transplant due to advanced cystic fibrosis (CF). It isn’t easy to put the enormity of…
I’m finally giving myself permission to live fully again
“I’ve never run a race, but I want to,” I said to myself when I saw a registration link for the 27th annual Gift of Life Donor Dash, held last month in Philadelphia.
Trauma and resilience are 2 sides of the same coin in the CF community
Living with cystic fibrosis (CF) feels like riding on a never-ending roller coaster. There are highs and lows, unexpected pitfalls, and twists and turns around every corner. Like a roller coaster, the…
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