Ella is a writer, patient advocate, and scientist with cystic fibrosis. She was diagnosed with CF at 18 months old and is now in her late 20s. She holds a degree in biology from Virginia Commonwealth University and works part time as an environmental microbiology lab manager. Over the last few years, she's become deeply involved in the CF community via advisory and research committees while also serving as a director for the U.S. Adult CF Association. She's from Richmond, Virginia, but is of Hungarian descent. She loves the ocean, traveling, spending time outdoors, practicing makeup, and eating her favorite dessert, crème brûlée. Follow her travel and life experiences on Instagram @thisgirlella.I hear others say “I have CF. CF doesn’t have me.” This may be an accurate statement for some, the small percentage of patients who are not limited by this disease. Those who climb mountain peaks, work 60 hours a week, and raise three children. They could say…
The day I was born, the median life expectancy of someone living with cystic fibrosis was 31. Although I haven’t reached that median yet, I feel like I’ve beaten the odds. During past birthdays, my parents, brother, and I celebrated with cakes filled with raspberry layers and chocolate frosting. The…
Having cystic fibrosis makes life sometimes stressful, sometimes lonely, sometimes painful, and oftentimes scary. But it can also make life seem more valuable, brighter, more optimistic, and more fun. Figuring out how to balance the good and the bad, and come out from tough situations on the positive end can be challenging,…
Fulfillment to me means achieving a dream, pursuing a passion, striving to be happy every day, and finding joy in what I do. To say I did my best and made every moment count. I believe having those dreams and feelings of fulfillment comes from motivation. Motivation to do and be…
Visit the Cystic Fibrosis News Today forums to connect with others in the CF community.
Get regular updates to your inbox.