Valiant Voice — Lara Govendo

“You might live long enough to finish college, maybe even get married, but …” I imagine this is what the textbooks used to say about cystic fibrosis (CF) when I was in college. While I heard such things at medical appointments, I refused to let that narrative define my…

My permanent disabled parking placard was falling apart, and after 10 years of use, it was held together with tape. So I went to the Department of Motor Vehicles to get a new one. “I’m so sorry that it’s permanent,” replied the lady behind the service counter. Her response shocked…

Last weekend’s weather forecast called for a wind chill factor of -35 F. We don’t usually experience such low temperatures here in Vermont, but this winter has been hitting hard. Before I serenade you with “Ice Ice Baby,” I want to take a trip down memory lane. I am so…

I turned 39 last month. Nearing the milestone of a new decade with cystic fibrosis (CF) feels like a big deal. Almost 40? Check. I’ve got some wrinkles and age spots! But let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Life expectancy seems to be the center of…

“I’m freaking out — have you ever had a burst blood vessel in your eyeball?” This is a recent text message I sent to a dear friend. We’re not only friends; we both live with cystic fibrosis (CF) and have had a double-lung transplant. She gets me on…

I’m no stranger to frigid temperatures and dark days, as it often feels like the tundra here in Vermont. As we approach the winter solstice, I’m reflecting on the symbolism of letting the light in after dark times. I was born in the wee hours of Dec. 22,…

I feel my breath catch in my throat. Short, shallow waves alert my survival brain that something is wrong. My heartbeat quickens, and my hands begin to sweat, with surges of energy coursing through my veins, almost like a cold chill. Every part of my body tenses, and a pit…

Calm, cool, and collected: These are just a few words that describe how my husband, Chris, approaches my various health crises. I always knew my husband was incredible, but I’ve witnessed his strength on a deeper level over the past few months. My health challenges have made this a…

I’ve always had to play detective when it comes to my health. Running through a list of checks and balances, I can typically determine what’s going on in my body. After living in it for 38 years, one could say I’m an ol’ pro at connecting symptoms with which…

Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with prednisone. Not everyone will have the same response to treatment. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy. Current situation: I’m sitting in bed eating potato chips and drinking ice-cold ginger ale while my husband is fast asleep…

Have you ever been asked why your parents didn’t undergo prenatal genetic testing? During a hospitalization for cystic fibrosis (CF) in my early 20s, a nurse asked my mom this question right in front of me. I rolled my eyes because I’d heard it before, although it didn’t take…

As I write this, I’m sick with a fever and chills. I know it’s a result of being stressed in recent weeks and neglecting self-care, but I feel the need to keep moving at the same fast pace. I hate putting my life on hold because of my health. After…