My Great Strides Story
Colleen Anderson
Colleen Anderson
**My Great Strides Story: Embracing Life with Cystic Fibrosis**
Growing up, I was that active kid brimming with energy—always running, climbing, and exploring. Yet, in stark contrast to my spirited childhood, I often found myself battling a series of rare and unusual illnesses that puzzled my family and doctors alike. Countless tests were conducted, each time leaving us without answers and instilling a sense of uncertainty in my life. As time went on and I transitioned into adulthood, my health challenges compounded; rare infections like mycobacterium abscessus and relentless bouts of pneumonia became unwelcome companions. It felt like my body was at war, yet I was determined to seek the truth.
After years of navigating a labyrinth of symptoms and unanswered questions, I finally encountered a doctor who genuinely listened to my experiences. With a commitment to uncovering the root of my struggles, they recommended testing for cystic fibrosis. Receiving that diagnosis at the age of 32 was a bittersweet moment; while it wasn't the answer I had hoped for, it was a crucial piece of the puzzle that had eluded me for so long. Finally, I understood why my body had behaved the way it had, and that clarity sparked a new sense of hope within me.
Now, armed with knowledge about my condition, I am embarking on a transformative journey toward better health. With a dedicated team of doctors by my side, I am learning to navigate life with cystic fibrosis and embracing the small victories along the way. Though there is currently no cure, I refuse to be defined by my diagnosis. Instead, I choose to focus on what I can control: my health, my mindset, and the strides I can make each day. With hope as my guiding light, I am determined to live fully, inspire others facing similar challenges, and advocate for awareness and understanding of cystic fibrosis. This is just the beginning of my story, one filled with resilience, growth, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
There is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis and too many people with CF die young. I’m walking for them. I'm walking for me. I'm walking for all of us.
CF is a genetic, life-shortening disease that devastates the lungs, pancreas, and other vital organs. CF makes it difficult to breathe and fight life-threatening infections, often leading to extensive lung damage and respiratory failure.
Every person born with cystic fibrosis is on a unique journey and experiences this challenging disease differently. While progress has been made, a long road lies ahead for far too many people fighting this terrible disease. We need a cure so that everyone with CF has a better chance to live a long, healthy life.
Will you help us end cystic fibrosis?
By donating to my fundraising goal, you have the power to advance the research and science needed to drive our shared dream forward – a cure for everyone with CF.
There is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis and too many people with CF die young. I’m walking for them. I'm walking for me. I'm walking for all of us.
CF is a genetic, life-shortening disease that devastates the lungs, pancreas, and other vital organs. CF makes it difficult to breathe and fight life-threatening infections, often leading to extensive lung damage and respiratory failure.
Every person born with cystic fibrosis is on a unique journey and experiences this challenging disease differently. While progress has been made, a long road lies ahead for far too many people fighting this terrible disease. We need a cure so that everyone with CF has a better chance to live a long, healthy life.
Will you help us end cystic fibrosis?
By donating to my fundraising goal, you have the power to advance the research and science needed to drive our shared dream forward – a cure for everyone with CF.
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