I remember very clearly, to the day, when the Cystic Fibrosis Lifestyle Foundation saved my life.
I was visiting my family in Dallas, Tx and they were out to get groceries while I stayed behind.
My wheelchair, was in the corner of the apartment. My medications littering the kitchen table, cupboards, and counters.
I didn’t have the energy to go with my family to the store.
I cried a cry full of such pity, desperation, and hope that even to this day, I can’t quite articulate it.
I heaved up infected mucous with each tear, realizing my life was almost over.
Cystic Fibrosis had won.
Doctors were saying things such as “lung transplant” and “you only have 37% lung function.”
Disability paperwork was given to me as if this was my only option.
The career I fought for, gone.
The life I dreamed about, destroyed.
Instead, I was in a tiny apartment, suffocating on my own phlegm, unable to go pick out groceries for the week.
Crying that cry that to this day, I pray none of my friends or loved ones will ever experience. The kind of cry that makes you feel like there is nothing left to life, nothing left to live for, nothing left to experience except your own inevitable death.
And my phone dings that familiar Facebook notification.
A charity, Cystic Fibrosis Lifestyle Foundation wanted to gift me a $500 recreation grant so I can study Zumba and enroll in a gym.
I had lost everything.
And that simple $500 was the catalyst I needed to pick myself up off the floor, and fight one more time for the life I had left in me.
I was knocked down.
But apparently not out.
And so I did.
I took it. I later became a nationally recognized Zumba instructor, am now an ambassador for Hardcore Fitness Downtown and travel the world motivating others on how lifestyle choices determine every thing.
I would not be alive if not for that Facebook ping.
And now, I’ve been called to give back and help other patients with Cystic Fibrosis in San Diego experience what I experienced.
Will you help?
There’s 3 Ways to Join the Fight:
1) Attend the event
2) Sponsor
3) Donate
I am incredibly grateful for my donors to this day.
I am grateful for those who gifted grants that kept me alive.
I am grateful for the team Brian Callanan & Pete Tucker who saw something in me and asked me to help.
Katrina Wulffson Young for her dedication to Cystic Fibrosis.
And for all of you, who may have times when you are knocked down and manage to pick yourself back up.
Let’s KNOCK OUT #CysticFibrosis… Together.