Valiant Voice — Lara Govendo

My mom has always said that “in adversity there is blessing.” For Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month I wanted to share the golden nuggets of wisdom I’ve been blessed to learn while living with cystic fibrosis (CF). Even though it’s been four years since I had a double-lung…

The world demands my constant attention. Everything that comes across my news feed is presented as an emergency. The pressure to know the latest and greatest is at an all-time high. That doesn’t help my stress levels, though. It only adds to the growing list of issues I already have…

Since my double-lung transplant four years ago, I’ve shared my story in several arenas. I’m passionate about spreading awareness about organ donation and how my life was able to continue because of my donor. Through these speaking engagements, I’ve met incredible people who are connected to organ donation. I’m…

Healing isn’t linear. The therapist in me wants to dive into the deep end, get my hands dirty, and gut out all the wounds that have compounded over my 35 years of life. The traumas I’ve experienced due to cystic fibrosis and a double-lung transplant have left monstrous divots…

I learned about pulmonary rehabilitation during my evaluation for a double-lung transplant in 2015-16. I didn’t know that a program existed to help me learn how to navigate life with low lung function. I had mixed feelings about joining, but soon found that it was the key to better…

Living with cystic fibrosis and undergoing a double-lung transplant have had profound effects on my character. I’ve been graced with the ability to dig deep amid pain and suffering and find golden nuggets of wisdom. The rarest attribute I’ve developed on my health journey has been a deep level…

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 impact the process has on both the recipient and the donors’…

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, dreaming can still feel risky. But the more time that passes,…

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 are my caregivers. They live five hours away, but will…

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 wrong step could land me in the hospital. But being in…

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 ravaged my lungs for 30 years tells me otherwise. I heard…

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 bellyache of anxiety when people would ask me to go hiking…