Isabel Stenzel Byrnes is 37 years old with cystic fibrosis and is living in Northern California. Isabel is a wanderlust, is post-transplant for five years, and is co-author (with her sister, Anabel) of the book, The Power of Two. Isabel has worked as a social worker and health educator and is LIVING, BREATHING and SUCCEEDING on a daily basis.

• Isabel, along with her twin sister, Anabel, and family, has traveled the world. She has visited 12 countries and 41 states in the USA. Isabel started traveling at age eight and lived in Japan for one year.
• Isabel was born in Southern California, diagnosed at birth, and had an active childhood, loving the outdoors and such sports as swimming, jogging and hiking.
• Isabel graduated from Stanford University, competes in the Transplant Games, and most recently started playing the bagpipes.
• “When traveling, I make sure I have the CF doctor contact info in the city I am traveling to, take extra prescriptions, wash my hands a lot, drink lots of water, and ALWAYS carry-on my medications," Isabel says.
• Post-transplant, Isabel continues to travel and has added a mask during airplane travel.
• “I have lived a very privileged life, and CF has taught me to be very disciplined. Everyone with CF is a mentor to me,” Isabel says.
• Isabel’s advice: “Do not limit yourself, and allow yourself to dream.”

This “LIVING. BREATHING. SUCCEEDING.” Podcast/Vodcast series is the final in a series of 12 made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Genentech to the Boomer Esiason Foundation. 

Julie Desch is 48 years old with cystic fibrosis and lives in Northern California. Julie is a single mom with two fabulous children. She works from home running a non-profit – New Day Wellness (www.newdaywell.org) -- and is LIVING, BREATHING and SUCCEEDING on a daily basis.

• Julie has realized the benefits of nutrition and exercise. At New Day Wellness, Julie coaches nutrition, fitness, stress management and disease management to people with chronic illnesses – many with CF.
• Julie was born in Nebraska and was diagnosed at birth. She is the youngest of seven siblings, attended Stanford University, and enjoys golf, running, weight training and reading.
• "I enjoy sharing my thoughts on nutrition, wellness and exercise on my blog (www.sickandhappy.com). This is a great way to get the word out there," Julie says.
• Julie’s “junk” foods include pretzels, yogurt and frosted mini wheats dipped in peanut butter.
• “I am a firm believer in supplements such as fish oil, NAC and additional vitamins, but ALL are with doctors approval," Julie says.
• Shakes and smoothies with protein added are a must-have when Julie is not feeling well or needs an extra boost.
• “Eat early and eat often, and make sure you are eating lots of fruit, vegetables and protein – I eat a lot of the right foods."
• On gaining weight: “Get involved in exercise, and especially weight training, and eat a lot," Julie advises.
• Julie’s advice to others: “Hope ... and be compliant and aggressive to keep your lungs clear.”

This “LIVING. BREATHING. SUCCEEDING.” Podcast/Vodcast is the 11th in a series of 12 made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Genentech to the Boomer Esiason Foundation.