Cheriz: My life with Cystic Fibrosis

Too be honest, sharing about Cystic Fibrosis can be tough in the first place. I always try to be open about my CF though. I think it makes things easier in the long run. No weird looks when coughing, or comments about being contagious. I don't want sympathy, just for people to be aware. Plus, the more people know about CF, the more awareness for the CF Cause.  How to tell people??? Well I don't say "Hi, I'm Cheriz and I have CF".... That sounds so drone-like and weird. I usually try to tie it into conversation. By saying something about my volunteering for the CF Foundation and follow that up with "because I have CF." I also tell people to feel free to tell others if they wonder why I cough, etc. The weird part is now that I'm getting older and my CF is becoming increasingly more difficult. While most of my family members and friends could rattle off every surgery, my current lung function, weight, and secondary problems, in a second. I feel mo...

Mental Health and CF: On July 25th I did a 5K called Whitney's Run and I even shaved off 2 minutes from the 5k I did on July 2nd. I' was a little sore for a few days, but it was well worth it. It was for a great cause. All the proceeds went to a local Center that provides programs & help for suicide prevention programs. I thought this would be the perfect time to open op about how CF has impacted my emotional and mental health. You may not know this BUT mental health is one of the biggest issues CF patients deal with on a daily basis. In fact, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has really been focusing on these issues in the past 2 years. If you go to a CF care center (affiliated with the CF Foundation, which most are...) you take an assessment test to see how you deal with all the emotions CF throws at you. I was assessed in May (when I switched to my new CF center). As I knew the results would reveal, I did  scored high. I knew I would. I answered truthfully to all the...