Columns

How Essential Am I?

I am scared … but not for the reasons you’d think. I am worried about something I’m ashamed to admit: what happens when things go back to the way they were before. Not the eventual end to an endemic pandemic, of course, but the pace of how we used…

How Isolation Has Brought Calm to My Life

Self-isolation has caused an unexpected sort of peace to my daily life. Before you call me crazy, hear me out. I am usually constantly busy. I work several jobs, partake in countless hobbies, and fill silence with an active social life. I think that is the case for many young…

I’m Holding a Funeral for My Former Self

I am at a loss with loss. Yesterday, I lost my last remaining telecommuting job, my dance company (in the sense that we are now on a long-term hiatus), our show that was only weeks away (and has now been postponed), my keys, and my mind. If you’re like…

Trikafta Therapy Prompted the Most Unexpected Emotions

The excitement and flurry around the new combination therapy Trikafta (elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor) brought a lot of hope to the CF community. This is a good thing. However, many complex emotions are not being addressed. Everyone expects a flood of challenging emotions when one transitions from healthy to dying, but what…

I’m Worried About Coughing in Public

Lately, I’ve had a lot of fears. Like others in the global cystic fibrosis community, I’m self-isolating. I follow the CF Foundation’s COVID-19 plans religiously, and much of my county is sheltering in place, with most businesses closed. I’m fortunate to live with my…

How High Risk for COVID-19 Has Shaped My Perspective

We are currently experiencing something unlike anything we have seen before: a coronavirus pandemic whose magnitude is unprecedented in modern history. Two weekends ago, I was still celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at bars with my friends. By then, people were wary. I was advised against going, but having the mindset…

We Need to Expand Our Perspective of the Coronavirus

The cystic fibrosis (CF) community is handling COVID-19 in two ways. Some claim that people are finally getting a taste of life with CF. “We wore masks before it was cool,” they say (I stole that one). We always worry about germs. The coronavirus will impact us more than others…

Some Calm Thoughts Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic Pandemonium

A surreal winter, huh? Pandemic pandemonium. Over and over. “I can’t believe we even have to think about this stuff. COVID-19 is like fiction.” It’s real. I write this during week three of self-isolation. I ain’t scared for myself. This isn’t the first time I’ve defended against “biowarfare.” My…

Hanging by a Hope During the Coronavirus Crisis

The invisible killer is nothing new. Something that can’t be contained? I feel that. Not knowing if or when it will hit you? Every. Single. Day. Cystic fibrosis is a monster. And so is having a transplant. There’s always an underlying fear of the untamable beast. Those of us with…