|
Goal: To run. I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when I was a baby. Growing up, I had very little lung capacity.At 25, I went on the list for a double lung transplant. Fitness level: I started lifting weights when I was 19 and found I could adapt the training to my shortness of breath.Pivotal moment: I had to sit out our long-distance runs at school.That told me I was different. Worst moment: Losing my mother to cancer five months after my surgery. I think she just wanted to live to see me get my lungs. Best moment: A month after she died, I walked out of the house one day. Her grave is about two miles away. I started running and ran the whole way. When I got there, I patted her stone. Biggest lesson: Most of my life has been about breathing, living day to day. Now I can make plans. New goal:To win a race at the National Kidney Foundation U.S. Transplant Games this summer. |
Breathing
Lessons