How CF has taught me the importance of listening to my body
I pushed my mind and body to keep up with those of my peers in my younger years. In high school, despite having cystic fibrosis (CF), I kept up with them socially while…
Living Beyond — Jennifer Cogliano
Jennifer Cogliano, diagnosed with cystic fibrosis in her first few days of life, has been defying the odds of her disease for the majority of her life. She has a daughter, worked as a nurse for 20 years, and then received the gift of life through a bilateral lung transplant in 2020 during the pandemic. Jennifer is the self-published author of a children’s picture book, “The Friendship Umbrella,” which teaches about being kind, helping others, and appreciating each other’s differences. Jennifer loves dogs and music, has a strong faith in God, and has always chosen to count her blessings instead of her struggles.
Featured Post
A 100-pound healer: My dog has become the best CF self-care tool
Living with cystic fibrosis (CF) is a daily balancing act of medications, fatigue, breathing treatments, and managing my energy levels. Some days feel manageable, and others feel like I’m climbing a mountain with…
Read more
I’m still waiting for spring to bring me back to life
We’ve been having such a slow-developing spring here in Pennsylvania. The temperatures have been lower than normal, and it feels like it’s been raining for months. I must continually remind myself not to complain…
In this awareness month, a look inside a largely invisible disease
I’ve always been open about having cystic fibrosis (CF). Though I don’t include this information when introducing myself, it comes to light soon enough. That’s largely a choice, because it’s often an invisible…
Has using a mask with my nebulizer treatments benefited my sinuses?
Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with using masks during nebulizer treatments. Not everyone will have the same response to treatment. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy. I haven’t…
Managing spring allergies has helped me avoid CF hospitalizations
I live in southeastern Pennsylvania, where the trees and flowers bloom in April and May. In my early adult years, May was usually the month when I’d be hospitalized with a cystic fibrosis…
Finding an exercise routine I could do with CF made all the difference
I was extremely active growing up. I was the point guard on my elementary school’s girls’ basketball team and the catcher on the softball team. I had no problems playing entire games and participating…
Connecting with my cystic fibrosis community gave me hope
I recently agreed to facilitate one of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s CF Circles, which are virtual small-group discussions about a specific topic. The focus of this particular gathering was “Living with cystic…
Finding balance in life after a double-lung transplant
To follow my column last week about the rate of divorce after surviving advanced cystic fibrosis (CF) and double-lung transplant, this week I’ll focus on the intricate balance of living while dying. Don’t…
Getting divorced in the period of adjustment after a transplant
In a private Facebook group for adults living with cystic fibrosis (CF), a post jumped out at me asking if anyone had gone through a divorce after their double-lung transplant. The post instantly…
Sharing my story for National Deep Vein Thrombosis Awareness Month
In the first few days after my double-lung transplant in 2020, I was looking at a hand-held mirror and saw a central venous catheter protruding from the left side of my neck. A large,…
Why staying hydrated is at the top of my to-do list
The power of water is underrated. If you Google it, you’ll see you can delve into multiple aspects of water’s properties, including how it supports thermal energy, hydropower, transportation, and anti-erosion efforts. It’s a…
The heaviness that comes with being a part of the CF community
Is it just me, or did January feel like an entire year all on its own? From drastic political shifts to devastating wildfires, extra-cold temperatures to egg shortages, a surge in influenza activity to…
Your CF Community
Visit the Cystic Fibrosis News Today forums to connect with others in the CF community.
