Valiant Voice — Lara Govendo

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.

I’ve witnessed the greatest acts of love at my sickest. Whenever I reflect on how love has shone through on my darkest days, my misty eyes reveal how much someone has touched my life forever. Sept. 30 is…

If I were to describe all of the health conditions I have, I’d need more column space. Each aspect of my health entails a unique story that requires explanation to understand the complexities. It’s challenging to balance all of the coexisting health conditions while…

I sat with this heavy feeling for years without knowing its name. Throughout my turbulent health journey, a deep sadness would often wash over me. I didn’t understand why, as there wasn’t a precipitating event. But I knew I…

I feel numb. Not excited or depressed, just numb. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out why our culture fosters numbness. Companies peddle products to improve our lives and market to our hungry eyes. And we…