Wed, 22 May 2013
Podcast 122: I Believe… in Exercise The "I Believe" video series is a series of podcasts that features people in the CF community sharing their beliefs on what it takes to live, breathe, and succeed with CF. In this episode, the discussion focuses on Belief in exercise and its importance to everyday health. While people with CF exercise and remain active in different ways, all four people featured in this video Believe that it strengthens and clears their lungs, and allows them to be strong both mentally and physically. Thanks to AbbVie Inc. for the promotional support and commitment to the cystic fibrosis community, which makes this program possible. |
Wed, 7 November 2012
Joe, now 33 years old, was diagnosed with CF at age 5, and also had a sister who was diagnosed with CF. He currently resides in Norfolk, Virginia with his fiancé Jennifer with whom he shares a love of riding motorcycles. Joe works as a Director of IT and enjoys practicing photography on the side. Joe Sleeper is LIVING BREATHING SUCCEEDING and determined that he WILL NOT FAIL…
This “LIVING. BREATHING. SUCCEEDING.” Podcast/Vodcast is made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Genentech to the Boomer Esiason Foundation. |
Tue, 7 August 2012
“A Day in the Life of a CF Mom/Caregiver: Catherine Hopkins” Catherine Hopkins is facing the challenge of balancing a full-time job as a vet technician while making it possible for her 3 year old son, Philip to LIVE BREATHE SUCCEED with CF. Catherine and her husband, David, knew the diagnosis was a possibility just 8 weeks into the pregnancy and dove into research immediately. Since then, they have relied on their faith, friends, and family for support throughout their journey.
This “LIVING. BREATHING. SUCCEEDING.” Podcast/Vodcast is made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Genentech to the Boomer Esiason Foundation. |
Wed, 30 May 2012
Bobby Bebber: Overcoming ALL Obstacles with CF Bobby Bebber, 28 years old and living in Miami, Fla., was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF) at age two. Bobby has had three liver transplants and a kidney transplant, and he also has CF-related diabetes, but he continues to fight on and NEVER give up. Bobby, who discusses overcoming all obstacles with CF, is LIVING BREATHING & SUCCEEDING.
This “LIVING. BREATHING. SUCCEEDING.” Podcast/Vodcast is made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Genentech to the Boomer Esiason Foundation. |
Wed, 21 March 2012
Rick Lerz is LIVING, BREATHING and SUCCEEDING after a double-lung transplant. Forty-five-year-old Rick grew up Queens, N.Y., and was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at six months. He now is married to his caring wife, Leigh, and the proud father of their 15-year-old daughter, Marty. Rick, who has spent more than 20 years in the medical field, became a registered nurse in 1990. One of his hobbies includes breeding Sharpie dogs. • Growing up, Rick’s life was pretty normal and included exercise and bike riding. But his health started to go downhill when he was 26. • “I was listed in March of 2010, and I was blessed to have a very supportive family,” Rick says. • “The first thing I noticed post-transplant was that I could BREATHE… I could take a deep breath without coughing… it was truly amazing,” he says. • Post-transplant, Rick became the “can do” dad. “I was able to take my daughter to the mall and walk around with her and shop. That is a great feeling,” Rick says. • Rick’s recommendation to people with CF who are thinking about a transplant: “Fight your depression, stay active, and have a strong support team you can talk to.” • “I have a new lease on life, and I am a productive, normal guy again. I am very thankful to my donor family,” Rick says.
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Fri, 23 September 2011
“The Power of Two” - A Story of Twin Sisters, Two Cultures and Two New Chances at Life Marc Smolowitz, making his directorial debut, speaks about “The Power of Two” documentary film. “The Power of Two” offers an intimate portrayal of the bond between half–Japanese twin sisters, Anabel Stenzel and Isabel Stenzel Byrnes, their battle with the fatal genetic disease cystic fibrosis and the miraculous survival through double-lung transplants.
This “LIVING. BREATHING. SUCCEEDING.” Podcast/Vodcast is made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Genentech to the Boomer Esiason Foundation. |
Sat, 27 August 2011
Jennifer Champy was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis and Addison’s disease at the age of 28. At 38, the CF diagnosis was reversed. In 2004, Jennifer graduated from nursing school at the top of her class and worked full-time as an emergency room nurse. Now 39, she lives in South Carolina and is "working disabled." She still has Addison's disease — a chronic endocrine disorder — and through the ups and downs, she is living, breathing and succeeding!
This “LIVING. BREATHING. SUCCEEDING.” Podcast/Vodcast is made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Genentech to the Boomer Esiason Foundation. |
Wed, 27 July 2011
Twenty-five-year-old Jessica Link, who lives with CF, knows the importance of having your medical information organized and of advocating for yourself. Jessica was born and raised in North Carolina and graduated with honors from the University of North Carolina with a degree in political science and psychology. She now works from home as a trader as well as part-time for a clothing retailer. Jessica likes to keep up with American politics, bury her head in a good book, experiment in the kitchen, and shop. Jessica is living - breathing - succeeding with CF every day! • Jessica is an only child and was diagnosed at birth via meconium illeus. • “Being organized with all your medical information makes you very independent, pro-active, and a collaborative patient, rather than reactive-passive,” Jessica says. • Jessica stays organized with her health by using a “cheat sheet,” health notebook, Google Docs or a flash drive, pill strips, a hospital kit and a checklist. • “It’s important to stay organized because it’s YOUR body and YOUR health, not your doctor’s. Being organized will minimize medical mistakes,” she emphasizes. • Jessica blogs about life with CF (and other things…) at: http://breathsentence.blogpot.com • Jennifer’s advice to others with CF: “Be compliant and get organized!” This “LIVING. BREATHING. SUCCEEDING.” Podcast/Vodcast is made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Genentech to the Boomer Esiason Foundation. |
Wed, 29 June 2011
Megan Mollahan is a parent and caregiver to her 2 children with cystic fibrosis. Her daughter Maureen is currently 20 years old (diagnosed at age 8) and her son Jack currently 10 years old (diagnosed at 2 months of age) are currently living in New York. Megan will discuss what it’s like to wear “many different hats” as parent, caregiver, friend, advocate, and on and on… • When her daughter was initially diagnosed Megan leaned on her faith, family, friends, and doctors for support. • Megan’s initial focus for her children with CF was “being diligent to treatments to keep them healthy and keeping a positive attitude”. • “I try to stay pro-active in the CF community with CF Walks, school projects (working on SKYPE for her son to do with teachers when he is sick at home), and fundraising support from local businesses”, states Megan. • “Everything I do for my children with CF is times two… so I try and simplify and make them independent with all treatments and medications. This becomes a juggling act at times but well worth the effort”, states Megan. • Megan’s advice to other parents/caregivers: “be patient, open a dialog and communicate, have a support team, and it’s ok to take a day off…” This “LIVING. BREATHING. SUCCEEDING.” Podcast/Vodcast is made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Genentech to the Boomer Esiason Foundation. |
Mon, 11 April 2011
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! • 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…
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