Valiant Voice – a Column by Lara Govendo

I learned about pulmonary rehabilitation during my evaluation for a double-lung transplant in 2015-16. I didn’t know that a program existed to help me learn how to navigate life with low lung function. I had mixed feelings about joining, but soon found that it was the key to better…

Living with cystic fibrosis and undergoing a double-lung transplant have had profound effects on my character. I’ve been graced with the ability to dig deep amid pain and suffering and find golden nuggets of wisdom. The rarest attribute I’ve developed on my health journey has been a deep level…

I didn’t know how impactful organ donation was until it personally affected my life. I first learned the details of it through my evaluation for a double lung transplant. Since that surgery four years ago, I’ve frequently witnessed the impact the process has on both the recipient and the donors’…

I never really dreamed about my future until after my double-lung transplant in 2017. My friends who are also transplant recipients inspire me to dream bigger as we navigate this new world together. Although it’s been over four years, dreaming can still feel risky. But the more time that passes,…

I often wonder if my parents realize how much I appreciate them. Last week, they showed up for yet another medical procedure. Those who call me a “hero” overlook my parents, who are always by my side. My parents are my caregivers. They live five hours away, but will…

Before my double-lung transplant four years ago, I approached holiday seasons with trepidation. I wanted to spend holidays at home with my loved ones, so I’d do my best to stay healthy, as it always felt like one wrong step could land me in the hospital. But being in…

If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard, “But you don’t look sick,” or “But at least you look good,” I’d be a millionaire by now. Can you relate? Living with a chronic, invisible illness that ravaged my lungs for 30 years tells me otherwise. I heard…

Hiking has become one of my favorite activities since my double-lung transplant four years ago. Before the transplant, hiking would have never been in my vocabulary. Having cystic fibrosis meant breathing was a struggle, and I would get a bellyache of anxiety when people would ask me to go hiking…

I had a routine checkup with my vascular surgeon last week. As I was pulling into the parking garage, it struck me that it had been a while since I’d been to the hospital. The realization brought me to tears. A life of planned routine medical…

Paying attention to emotional wellness doesn’t come easy for some of us. It is often easy to sweep our emotions under the rug and function on autopilot until we burn out. Then we rinse and repeat this toxic cycle. But pretending that everything is OK when it’s not is…