Dottie Lessard is a 44-year-old with cystic fibrosis (CF). She also is 16 years post- double-lung transplant, an athlete and life coach, a published author (“Seven Letters That Saved My Life”), and founder of Dottie’s Dream, a nonprofit organization. Most importantly, Dottie is the proud mother of her seven-year-old son, Liam. Dottie is LIVING BREATHING SUCCEEDING with a beautiful family!
With the help of today’s therapies, people with cystic fibrosis are now living longer and achieving more than ever before.

•    Dottie grew up in Massachusetts and was diagnosed at six weeks of age.

•    “I always admired athletes and the strength and endurance that they possess, and therefore exercise has become a passion of mine,” Dottie says.

•    Dottie started playing basketball at an early age, but as she got sicker, she always found a way to exercise - even if it was only five minutes every day. “Exercise empowers me,” she says.

•    “I was listed for a double lung transplant in 1992 and stayed motivated by thinking of all the great things I would do post transplant – that kept me going.”

•    “Pre-transplant, I was in the hospital a lot and watched life happen outside … I became friends with the nurses and learned about their lives,” Dottie says.

•    Post-transplant, Dottie continued to focus on being an athlete and started competing in the Transplant Games in 1996.  Dottie currently trains 45 to 60 minutes every day.

•    “I continue to be motivated today because of my wonderful son, Liam. I am thankful that I have been blessed with a new life with my lung transplant,” she says.

•    Dottie’s words of wisdom for people with CF…
- Believe!
- Find a balance.
- Stay positive.

This “LIVING. BREATHING. SUCCEEDING.” Podcast/Vodcast is made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Genentech to the Boomer Esiason Foundation.
For more information about cystic fibrosis or the Boomer Esiason Foundation, be sure to visit our website at www.esiason.org.