Lung, Scrappy, and Hungry – a Column by Nicole Kohr

‘One Last Time’: Saying farewell to my column

“One Last Time” from the musical “Hamilton” is sung by the actor who portrays George Washington and sets Washington’s farewell address to music. It’s the perfect song for this breaking news: This is my final column. With that said, I can’t think of a stronger way to depart…

Why I Wish Mask Mandates Were Still in Place

One of Disney’s latest creations is “Disenchanted,” the sequel to the 2007 musical film “Enchanted.” Without revealing any spoilers, one of the characters makes a wish to return their living conditions to a place of familiarity and comfort. One song, “Fairytale Life (The Wish),” reminded me of the…

How My Fight for Antibiotics Reminds Me of ‘Titanic’: Part 2

Second in a series. Read part one. In my previous column, I described my complicated relationship with antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). As a cystic fibrosis (CF) patient whose pre-transplant lungs were greatly impacted by the lack of available antibiotics, I’m one of many advocates fighting for a new…

The Difficulties of Diving Back In After Taking a Hiatus

I’m always nervous about diving back into work after being out of commission. In this case, I’m referring to the monthlong hiatus I took from writing this column. I was hesitant to pause my writing for Cystic Fibrosis News Today. What if I disappoint my editors or my audience? Even…

Telling Healthy Colleagues About My Terminal Illness

I wanted to discuss my relationship with “my expiration date” and its social implications, particularly with healthy people my own age. As of 1997, when I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF), I was labeled a terminally ill patient. Sharing that information with acquaintances set the tone for our…

How My Priorities Change When My Lungs Hold Me Hostage

The musical “Bonnie & Clyde” follows the infamous early 20th century crime duo through a series of murders and robberies, beginning with an innocent dream on Bonnie’s part. The two embarked on a romantic road trip that pitted them against society and those they loved. Clyde’s murder spree…