Title: Relationships and CF – Episode #0063 Tiffany Christensen Speaks Out!

Tiffany Christensen, 34 years old with cystic fibrosis is LIVING BREATHING SUCCEEDING on a daily basis…

With the help of today’s therapies, cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are now living longer and achieving more than ever before. Pulmonary treatments are enabling adults with CF to pursue their dreams by entering college and the career world.
In this podcast, 34-year-old CF survivor Tiffany Christianson talks about the role of CF in establishing new relationships. Tiffany is the recipient of 2 double lung transplants and the author of the book Sick Girl Speaks. In this conversation with her, she dives into topics such as the importance of remaining compliant on a daily basis as well as the tricky issue of revealing your CF to your newfound friend. Whatever you do, she says, “don’t lose your identity in a relationship and ignore your CF”.

Key messages in the Podcast include:

• Tiffany is a relationship driven person and believes telling about your CF is good, but that “less is more” at the beginning of a romantic relationship.
• “CF adds more layers to relationships but I am worthy of it!” says Tiffany.
• Tiffany has learned to “stop making my disease my identity” and to start communicating, enjoying, and having fun in a relationship – “We are a team…”
• Relationships involve a lot of work and vulnerability – make sure you do your homework… “Remember, like all relationships people may not accept each other due to certain likes/dislikes and that includes CF” states Tiffany.
• “Don’t search for your worth in someone else’s arms…” says Tiffany.
• Tiffany’s advice: “ CF should be a motivator to get in a relationship. Relationships enhance your life! I have no regrets!”
•  www.sickgirlspeaks.com
  
  * This “LIVING. BREATHING. SUCCEEDING.” Podcast/ Vodcast series is the 2nd of 12 made possible through and unrestricted educational grant from Genentech to The Boomer Esiason Foundation.

Title: Jerry Cahill – Exercising is Key to Being Compliant with CF

Jerry Cahill, 51 years old with cystic fibrosis is LIVING BREATHING SUCCEEDING on a daily basis…

With the help of today’s therapies, cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are now living longer and achieving more than ever before. Pulmonary treatments are enabling adults with CF to pursue their dreams by entering college and the career world. “Jerry Cahill – Exercising is Key to Being Compliant with CF,” features Jerry Cahill, a 51-year-old man with CF. Jerry talks about exercising as a form of CF therapy, sports improving his quality of life, exercising outdoors to keep his lungs CLEAR, and the importance of compliancy on a daily basis. Jerry’s philosophy is NEVER NEVER GIVE UP!”
Key messages in the Podcast include:

• Jerry believes exercise and sports have made a major impact on improving his health and quality of life physically and mentally.
• Exercise outdoors to help keep your lungs clear.
• “Simple exercises like walking, jogging, stretching, push-ups, quick knee drills, and lunges help move the secretions and clear out the lungs” states Jerry
• Time management is key to CF and maintaining your daily therapy routine so you can continue socializing and enjoying the great opportunities and people in life.
• Jerry states; “Do not let CF stop you… just get out there and live life to the fullest!”
  
  * This “LIVING. BREATHING. SUCCEEDING.” Podcast/Vodcast series is the 1st of 12 made possible through and unrestricted educational grant from Genentech to The Boomer Esiason Foundation.
   

Title: Jerry Cahill – Exercising is Key to Being Compliant with CF

Jerry Cahill, 51 years old with cystic fibrosis is LIVING BREATHING SUCCEEDING on a daily basis…

With the help of today’s therapies, cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are now living longer and achieving more than ever before. Pulmonary treatments are enabling adults with CF to pursue their dreams by entering college and the career world. “Jerry Cahill – Exercising is Key to Being Compliant with CF,” features Jerry Cahill, a 51-year-old man with CF. Jerry talks about exercising as a form of CF therapy, sports improving his quality of life, exercising outdoors to keep his lungs CLEAR, and the importance of compliancy on a daily basis. Jerry’s philosophy is NEVER NEVER GIVE UP!”
Key messages in the Podcast include:

• Jerry believes exercise and sports have made a major impact on improving his health and quality of life physically and mentally.
• Exercise outdoors to help keep your lungs clear.
• “Simple exercises like walking, jogging, stretching, push-ups, quick knee drills, and lunges help move the secretions and clear out the lungs” states Jerry
• Time management is key to CF and maintaining your daily therapy routine so you can continue socializing and enjoying the great opportunities and people in life.
• Jerry states; “Do not let CF stop you… just get out there and live life to the fullest!”
  
  * This “LIVING. BREATHING. SUCCEEDING.” Podcast/Vodcast series is the 1st of 12 made possible through and unrestricted educational grant from Genentech to The Boomer Esiason Foundation.
   

Title: Jerry Cahill – Exercising is Key to Being Compliant with CF

Jerry Cahill, 51 years old with cystic fibrosis is LIVING BREATHING SUCCEEDING on a daily basis…

With the help of today’s therapies, cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are now living longer and achieving more than ever before. Pulmonary treatments are enabling adults with CF to pursue their dreams by entering college and the career world. “Jerry Cahill – Exercising is Key to Being Compliant with CF,” features Jerry Cahill, a 51-year-old man with CF. Jerry talks about exercising as a form of CF therapy, sports improving his quality of life, exercising outdoors to keep his lungs CLEAR, and the importance of compliancy on a daily basis. Jerry’s philosophy is NEVER NEVER GIVE UP!”
Key messages in the Podcast include:

• Jerry believes exercise and sports have made a major impact on improving his health and quality of life physically and mentally.
• Exercise outdoors to help keep your lungs clear.
• “Simple exercises like walking, jogging, stretching, push-ups, quick knee drills, and lunges help move the secretions and clear out the lungs” states Jerry
• Time management is key to CF and maintaining your daily therapy routine so you can continue socializing and enjoying the great opportunities and people in life.
• Jerry states; “Do not let CF stop you… just get out there and live life to the fullest!”
  
  * This “LIVING. BREATHING. SUCCEEDING.” Podcast/Vodcast series is the 1st of 12 made possible through and unrestricted educational grant from Genentech to The Boomer Esiason Foundation.
   

Title: Cystic Fibrosis Institute (CFI) and Dr. Steven Boas

The Cystic Fibrosis Institute (CFI) is committed to supporting those affected by cystic fibrosis in the Chicago area and to making a difference by being a meaningful and active source of assistance and advocacy for all CF individuals and families for dealing with the everyday challenge of cystic fibrosis.

Dr. Steven Boas, a Board-Certified Pediatric Pulmonologist, is dedicated to the care of children and adolescents with acute or chronic respiratory disorders.

The Cystic Fibrosis Institute was founded in 2003 on the fundamental principle that every person with CF deserves the opportunity to realize his or her full potential, to lead as normal life as possible and, despite the many obstacles they and their families face, share in the joys of life itself.

• CFI is a 501(c) (3) Not for Profit organization based in Glenview, Chicago
• Dr. Boas states: “CFI offers services/educational programs for people with CF and their families.”
• CFI develops strategic partnerships with local and national businesses for support.
• CFI offers clinical assistance and supports research investigations
• “The Winter Education Retreat being held on February 16th 2008 is our biggest event and is being held in Glenview, Illinois (just outside of Chicago)” states Dr. Boas.
• Winter Education Retreat focuses on practical issues for people with CF with the goal of giving people with CF at least one more tool that they did not have prior to the event.
• Dr. Boas is a major advocate of exercise and believes exercise is key or “just getting people to move…”
• More info available at: www.cysticfibrosisinstitute.org or call 847-998-3434

Linda Hood, Mother of Twin Boys with CF, Talks about Transitioning…


Linda Hood from Cincinnati, Ohio talks about growing up with twin boys with CF – Keith and Kyle – and transitioning to an adult CF center. Linda’s boys were born 4 weeks early and found out they had cystic fibrosis at 6 months of age.

• “Finding out my twin boys had cystic fibrosis was the most devastating thing in my life…” states Linda
• Linda states; “the doctors told a horrifying story and said my boys would not live to 18 years of age”
• Linda and her family were proactive and started fundraising for a cure.
• Being a caregiver is scary due to concerns/fear of germs at school.
• Linda discusses making the transition from pediatric to adult CF center and the resources available to adults.
• Linda gets her support from her husband - “My husband is my strength and gets me through the tough times…”
• “Stay hopeful… do what the doctors tell you to do… do not take shortcuts,” states Linda.
• Linda’s advice: “Let your son or daughter be boys or girls and ENJOY LIFE!”
• Keith and Kyle are in college today and LIVING BREATHING SUCCEEDING.

Courtney Ward Runs NYC Marathon for Team Boomer in 4 Hours 56 Minutes

Justin Carlson, Transitioning from High School to College – The Next Step to Success.

With the help of today’s therapies, cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are now living longer and achieving more than ever before. Pulmonary treatments are enabling adults with CF to pursue their dreams by entering college and the career world.

“Justin Carlson, Transitioning from High School to College – The Next Step to Success,” features Justin Carlson, an 18-year-old young man with CF. Justin talks about becoming independent and dealing with doctor’s appointments, CF therapies, going away to college vs. commuting, and the importance of compliancy on a daily basis. Justin believes in the importance of the “doctor/patient relationship” and “taking control of your CF.”

Key messages in the Podcast include:

• Taking control of your CF and not letting it catch up on you, even when you don’t feel sick, is crucial for a good quality of life.
• Developing a strong relationship and communicating with your doctor and health care team, at an early age enhances your independence.
• Time-management and “practiced independence and confidence” help prepare individuals with CF for college and the real world.
• The keys to staying healthy are compliance to medications, therapies, exercise, and good nutrition.
• Parents should give their child with CF “reminders” regarding therapy, and instill independence in them at an early age.
• Parents should encourage their child to spend separate one-on-one “quality” time with their doctor.
  
  * This Podcast is made possible through and unrestricted educational grant from Genentech to The Boomer Esiason Foundation.

Scott Johnson is 35 years old with cystic fibrosis and LIVING, BREATHING, SUCCEEDING as he celebrated 6 years post double lung transplant on September 15th.  “Dreams do come true,” states Scott, as he gets ready for the Hawaiian Ironman Championships on October 13th 2007 in Kona, Hawaii. This is the most prestigious race in triathlon and the pinnacle of most people’s career. The Hawaii Ironman is the equivalent of the Tour de France, the Super Bowl, the World Series, and Wimbledon. Scott, competing for Team Boomer, has accepted this challenge to try and inspire people with CF to make exercise a part of their normal routine.

• Scott grew up in Jacksonville, North Carolina and was diagnosed with CF at 2 months.
• Scott received a double lung transplant on September 15th 2001.
• “Exercise and a Positive Attitude” helped Scott make it through the surgery.
• Scott states: “My quality of life with my new lungs is better than living with CF”.
• On Mother’s Day in May 2003, Scott crossed the finish line of his first triathlon… a gift for himself and his mother Marilyn.
• Scott has competed in over 25 triathlons of various distances and is now ready for the most elite triathlon, the Hawaii Ironman (swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles, and run 26.2 miles)
• Scott’s family and fiancé, Leanne, will be cheering him on in Hawaii and Scott will be getting married 3 days after the Ironman competition.
• Prior to each race Scott writes his transplant date on his forearm to remind himself of where he came from and his “new beginning”.
• By competing for Team Boomer, Scott is helping to raise money for the Exercise for Life scholarship for people with CF. Join Scott and the cause: www.firstgiving.com/cfironman
• Check out Scott’s photo’s and video at: www.myspace.com/slowesttriathlete
• “Do Not Be Afraid of Death… Be Afraid of the Half Lived Life”
• Scott’s words of encouragement for others with CF or facing a transplant: “Maintain a positive outlook, don’t give up, and keep exercising – miracles do happen…” 
  
   

Title: Abby Tranel Wins 2007 Exercise for Life Scholarship


Abby Tranel from Hampton, Nebraska wins $10,000 scholar-athlete award for people with CF. Abby ran the 1.5 mile run in 10 minutes 19 seconds at Nebraska Wesleyan University’s track in Lincoln, Nebraska. Abby is a graduate of Hampton High School in Hampton, NE and graduated with a 3.5 G.P.A. and will be attending Nebraska Wesleyan University in the fall.

• Abby has always been involved in sports including volleyball, basketball, and track. School activities include the Student Council, Cheerleading, Speech, Drama, and President of the National Honor Society.
• Abby was diagnosed with CF at birth and also has an older sister with cystic fibrosis that competed nationally in track & field for University of Nebraska.
• “Exercise and therapies for CF have very much become an integral part of my life and daily routine.” states Abby.
• “After a few months of steady running, my lung function tests improved dramatically. It was not just the test results that kept me going with running… I just simply felt better, and most importantly felt that I was now in control of my CF, it was no longer controlling me!” Abby states confidently.
• Abby lives a normal life and does not make a big deal about CF.
• “My mom has taught me and my sister to be very independent at an early age and I thank her for that…”
• Regarding college… “I look forward to meeting new people and am beginning to realize all the opportunities that college and our world has to offer.”
• Besides being compliant to her medication and therapy, Abby has learned the value of exercise, keeping a routine, and following through for positive results.
• “I have realized that if you want to be big you have to dream big… and that is just what I am doing despite having CF!” states Abby.