Let’s Use the Cystic Fibrosis News Today Forums for Empowerment

I ecstatically joined Cystic Fibrosis News Today in September because it was my first major opportunity to generate CF discussion. In this column, I’ve written about what a cure might actually mean for the community, why it’s important for parents to empower their children with CF, the bittersweet downside of modulators, exciting revelations from the North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference, and grief. While I’m happy with how this project has turned out, I recognize that a column’s comment section is not particularly conducive to discussion. So, I’m thrilled to be a moderator for the newly unveiled Cystic Fibrosis News Today Forums.

In any community united only by a single common thread, there is bound to be disagreement. This isn’t necessarily a good or bad thing; it’s simply a part of any large, diverse community. Disagreement is fundamental to progress: If all people agree entirely, how do we move forward in anything? Progressive discussions are the byproduct of civil disagreement. The keyword here is civil. When two people disagree, the best way to make wise decisions is for these two people to listen and understand the other’s message while also ensuring they convey their own beliefs in a civil, sensible way.

I’m optimistic about what this forum could become. It’s a welcoming place for all people affected by CF to discuss their thoughts. We have daily topics posed to teens and adults with CF, parents of children with CF, and even CF medical care teams. This forum offers a powerful opportunity to converse civilly without fear of judgment about the most important and controversial topics in the CF community. Since the CF community isn’t supposed to interact in person, this platform offers a chance for emapthy; for us to vent our anxieties and survey how other people alleviate stress.

I’m excited for the future of CF. We are living in a period of explosive advancements in medication and awareness, and society’s perspectives are rapidly changing. We’ll have disheartening times — not much is as stressful as figuring out how to pay for medication — but with this forum, I’m confident the CF community’s voice will be louder and more heard than ever before. Let’s use this forum for empowerment.

Please register, build a profile, and check out the forum! Many great people have dedicated time and effort to this endeavor to make it a great place for discussion. Thanks in advance. I look forward to your contributions!

Follow along with my other writings on my humbly named site, www.trelarosa.com.

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Note: Cystic Fibrosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Cystic Fibrosis News Today, or its parent company, Bionews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to cystic fibrosis.