Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month

May is Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month. For those of you who don't know, Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disorder which causes the mucus in your lungs to build up. There is no cure for CF, only breathing treatments.

Some of those treatments include: 

• Airway clearance to help loosen and get rid of the thick mucus that can build up in the lungs
• Inhaled medications to open the airways or thin the mucus (nebulizers)
• Pancreatic enzyme supplement capsules to improve the absorption of vital nutrients
• Individualized fitness plan to help improve energy, lung function, and overall health
• CFTR modulators to target the underlying defect in the CFTR protein.

The median survival age for this disease is 40. 

Claire Wineland was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis when she was just a little girl. In late August of 2018 Claire underwent a successful double lung transplant. Two weeks after the transplant she suffered a stroke due to a blood clot and passed away. Claire was only 21 years old. 

I'm sharing Claire's story because she truly was an inspiration. Claire posted a lot of videos on YouTube discussing serious topics such as death and the reality of her illness. You can check out her YouTube Channel here. Claire also started a foundation called, Claire's Place Foundation, aimed to help families living with Cystic Fibrosis. Before Claire passed away, she also worked as a paid consultant for the new movie 5 Feet Apart, a movie that shines light on Cystic Fibrosis. 

You can learn more about Cystic Fibrosis here

You learn more about Claire's story here