For most of my life, I never imagined that cystic fibrosis (CF) would be part of my story. Like many, I believed CF was typically diagnosed in childhood, so my persistent respiratory issues, sinus infections, and digestive troubles were always attributed to other conditions like bronchitis, asthma, or allergies. It was easier to accept these explanations than to think something more serious could be at play.

Everything shifted dramatically after a severe illness landed me in the hospital for weeks. Around the same time, my teenage son was hospitalized with pancreatitis, which led to us pursuing genetic testing. Three months later, he was diagnosed with a mutation in the CFTR gene, the genetic marker for cystic fibrosis. Following this, I visited the CF Clinic at Baylor, where I too was diagnosed with CF.

Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening inherited condition that affects a protein responsible for regulating mucus, sweat, and digestive fluids. It leads to severe damage to the lungs, digestive system, and other organs. While there is no cure for CF, modern treatments can help manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve quality of life.

Now, I’m starting a new chapter in my journey—beginning a trial with Trikafta, a drug aimed at improving pulmonary and digestive function in CF patients. While I’m understandably nervous, I’m also hopeful that this treatment will bring positive changes to my health and quality of life.

I am also excited to share that I am participating in ROSE UP on October 24, 2024. ROSE UP, now in its fifth year, is a virtual fundraising event created and led by adults with cystic fibrosis to bring the CF community together and advance the mission to find a cure and improve the quality of life for all people living with CF.

ROSE UP participants are encouraged to choose an activity that is meaningful to them to accomplish on ROSE UP day—whether it’s running, walking, painting, baking, head shaving, dancing, or something else! This year, our goal is to raise $555,000 to support the fight against CF, and you can help us reach that goal by donating or spreading the word to your friends and family.

The CF Foundation has made extraordinary medical and scientific progress, helping to develop more than a dozen CF treatments in a short span of time. They’ve added decades of life for people with CF, but despite this progress, many still don’t benefit from existing therapies.

I am proud to be part of ROSE UP alongside others in the CF community who dream of the day when CF stands for Cure Found. Whether you choose to donate, raise awareness by sharing your story, or tag #ROSEUPCF on social media, you are making a powerful difference. 

Thank you for your support! Let’s ROSE UP together!

For more updates and information about the Rose Up campaign, follow me here, and on Facebook or Instagram and let’s take this journey together.