Valiant Voice – a Column by Lara Govendo

As we bring attention to National PTSD Awareness Month this June, I want to shed light on my personal journey of recognizing the symptoms in case you’re in a similar boat. After my double-lung transplant in 2017 due to cystic fibrosis (CF), I remember feeling off but…

As we approach the end of Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, I want to share some wisdom I wish my younger self would’ve known at the start of my journey with this rare disease. Perhaps you’re in a similar situation and can relate to this advice. Dear younger me:…

Since I was born with cystic fibrosis (CF), gaining weight has always been a challenge for me. CF doesn’t only affect the lungs; it can also cause a number of gastrointestinal (GI) issues. Because my body lacks the salt content to move fluids effectively through my system, my GI…

I am a strong advocate for organ donation because I was on the receiving end of a double-lung transplant in 2017. Not only did it save my life, but it also radically transformed my health in many ways. Since then, I believe it’s imperative to clear up some…

I’ve had so many surgeries that I’ve lost track. You’d think I’d be used to the routine by now, but I’m not. With each surgery comes more anxiety as my trauma stacks up. I was convinced it’d get easier as I underwent more procedures, but I’ve learned that each…

“Everything will be fine. You just have to stay positive.” Ever heard this idea while dealing with a chronic health condition? If so, you’re not alone. Born with cystic fibrosis (CF), I’ve had a life filled with difficult health challenges. Contrary to popular belief, my symptoms…

Six years ago, I had a double-lung transplant because of severe cystic fibrosis (CF). I found the process traumatic, mostly because I didn’t feel prepared. I wish someone had taught me all the things I learned during that season of my life. To help others on a transplant…

Born with cystic fibrosis (CF), I’ve been told my whole life that there’s a number on my head. I’ve written about my beef with life expectancy before, but to sum it up quickly, thinking about death and dying is normal for me. Mortality is a common topic of…

For a long time, the relationship between romantic love and disability was complicated for me. It’s taken time to heal from my traumatic experiences with dating. I honestly didn’t know what romantic love was until I met my fiance, Christopher. Because of my chronic health conditions, I was led…

For many years, I’ve had to endure the ongoing praise for life-changing cystic fibrosis (CF) medications. Let me explain. CFTR modulators like the most recently approved drug Trikafta (elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor) have completely changed the way that many patients address the chronic challenges of CF. I’ve watched…