Meet Our Athletes
RAFAEL
- I'm 45 years old. I was diagnosed with CF at 41 years of age. I had been symptomatic for many years and misdiagnosed by many doctors. I was diagnosed correctly only after a close friend of mine, that has CF, suggested I see a CF clinic.
- My biggest challenge is the daily grind of CF. It takes a toll on me not only physically, but also mentally. CF is a great time and energy consumer. You have to put in a lot of work to try to stay as healthy as possible.
- I know how ugly this disease can be. If I stopped trying, if I stopped my therapies, if I stopped exercising, even if I just slowed down in these things, I know what I would become. I've experienced the ugly effects of CF over the years, especially when I was not being treated for the disease. I do all that I can to push back on CF. That is one of the reasons I took up running. An excellent way to push back!
- CF is not a well known disease. Therefore, people in general have no idea what a CFer goes thru day-in-day-out. A CFer may 'look ok' on the outside, but inside they may be struggling physically and emotionally. CF can be a very isolating disease, causing CFers to withdraw at times. People should know that CFers need support to cope with the mental challenges of the disease.
CHRIS
- I was diagnosed with CF in 1984. My parents enrolled him the same sports and activities as his siblings who do not have CF. I ran competitively in high school and college, and exercise has become the cornerstone of my self care. Today, I'm married, an attorney, and pursing parenthood through adoption, and have benefitted greatly from his active lifestyle and three decades of drug development.
- At this point in my life, the biggest challenge is fitting in work, fitness, my marriage, all while maintaining my health. I don't really feel bad about that - I'm blessed to have the opportunity be in the position of figuring out how to make it all work.
- Running and cycling are not more treatment. They are my break emotionally from the stress of CF, provide instant feedback about how well I am doing, and provide my motivation for adherence to care. I'm passionate about maximizing my abilities while I have them. This means there is no opportunity cost to adhering to treatment, and if I ever lose those abilities due to the progression of CF, I won't regret time wasted or missed opportunities.
- I wish that people understood that I'm no more or less human or mortal than they are. While my life may ultimately be shorter due to CF, it will be no less rich. I'm not interested in pity. I think everyone has significant problems in life, and I'm fortunate to know what mine is, and to be really good at dealing with it. I'd rather be in that position than have a midlife crisis at 50 realizing I'd wasted the best years of my life.
KAREN
- Karen is 42 years old and living with cystic fibrosis.
- Coach-Ed sponsored Karen to receive acupuncture and to join her gym. Karen has been an active, positive member of the Coach-Ed community since we met, attending events, blogging for us, and always lending a thoughtful perspective.
- Congratulations on your wedding, Karen, and your recent birthday! Here's to many more to come.
KLYN
- Klyn is a 28 year old, fit, inspiring woman living with cystic fibrosis.
- Coach-Ed is sponsoring Klyn to pursue her goal of competing in a fitness bikini competition. Her first competition is coming up this May!
- Klyn is an important voice for people with CF, and has been featured on NBC News to address the difficulties of high drug and treatment costs. Thank you for everything you do for this community, Klyn! See the news story here.
- Look out for her upcoming book - " I AM ___: 10 Powerful Lessons from Today's Most Influential Entrepreneurs and Athletes"
