This is Peter. 

He is the most kind, inquisitive, independent, social butterfly on the planet and he has a rare disease called cystic fibrosis. 

It’s invisible. 

As truly perfect as he is, the cells in his body do not work perfectly. 

His cells are not able to process chloride —causing the mucus in his body to turn to superglue, sticking to and clogging his organs unlike the rest of us whose mucus is like oil in a well oiled machine. 

This sticky mucus that takes up residence in his body makes it a perfect home for bacteria and viruses to grow and wreak havoc. 🦠🦠🦠🦠

Alright, enough about the boring details. It’s been four years since this term “CF” has been a part of our everyday lives and while we definitely do not consider ourselves experts we have adapted to a new rhythm of life.

And guess what? While things may look a bit different for us a BEAUTIFUL life continues as normal. 

Petey is a completely happy and healthy (GRATEFUL) big preschooler who is growing like a weed, hitting his milestones, and enjoying learning about the world.  He has been upgraded to BIG BROTHER and this year we even took him and Charlotte to the Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy to watch a loved one compete.

We all go to sleep and wake up with huge smiles on our faces. We just love being Mama and Dada to our boy.

So what’s the plan? 

Keep. This. Kid. Healthy. 

It’s no small task. But his team of doctors, family and friends won’t back down from a challenge. 

Avoid CF “red flags” - individuals with respiratory illness symptoms, ponds/puddles, mud/dirt, bath toys, hot tubs, sand boxes, greenhouses, etc.

1 hour of respiratory therapy a day. 365 hours this year 💪
 

25+ pills 💊 of digestive enzymes a day (in order for the nutrients from his food to be absorbed & to help in weight gain.)

Fun fact: One of my favorite CF traits about Petey is when you kiss him he tastes like a yummy pat of salted butter (I think it’s our dog Skyes favorite part too!)

His future is so bright, and we owe all of that to the research and medical advancements that have taken place in the last few years. Let’s make CF stand for cure found.