I was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis in 1994 at age 1. I had a wonderful childhood, but it was speckled with hours of daily treatments, hospitalizations, illness, and surgeries. I had a great support system of friends and family that helped me succeed in high school. When I entered college, I contracted a very difficult to manage infection that resulted in months and months out of the year in the hospital. I was lucky enough to move to Denver, and I changed CF care facilities to National Jewish. My new team helped me manage this infection much more effectively and I was able to graduate with my BS in environmental science. However, I was still struggling with 2-3 week hospitalizations a few times a year. 

Everything changed in 2019. In December, a miracle drug called Trikafta was approved by the FDA! This drug was able to address many of my more serious underlying symptoms- we call it a mini-cure! With this drug, I was able to minimize infection, reduce hospitalization occurrences dramatically, and start my career as a certified Arborist. I now spend my days working outside in the mountains, looking at trees- healthier than ever. 

When I was born, the average lifespan for someone with CF was in the early teens. Now it has expanded to an average of 51. This drug was a revolutionary medical breakthrough for me and SO many people with CF. However, I was in the lucky group of CFers that had the right genetic makeup to have benefit from this drug. There are so many people with CF that cannot take this drug and are still looking for their miracle. The cystic fibrosis foundation was integral to the development of Trikafta, and they continue to fight for a better life for all of us. 

I am hiking this year with the hope that one day, every CFer will be able to experience the miracle of a new lease on life, like me.