Meet the 2019 Scholars

"Choose one inspirational quote or motto that has helped you throughout your journey with cystic fibrosis. How do you live by your quote or motto and how has it motivated you to accomplish your goals?"

Cystic Fibrosis is difficult, time-consuming, tiring, isolating, stressful and impactful. CF affects my everyday life and determines the choices I make. The choices I make impact not only myself and my future, but many others around me. Daily life with CF can be frustrating and exhausting from maintaining treatments to scheduling medications. However, these challenges don't stop me from living a full life and accomplishing my goals, because I choose to purposefully seek positivity. I could choose to wallow in self-pity, but I choose to embrace the positive. I choose to live my life by three simple words: I choose joy. By choosing joy, I can navigate my illness better while educating and helping others. I can be an example to others. Choosing joy helps me to see the fullness in every moment. Joy is a choice that can be found in the midst of great pain and it’s a lot easier said than done, but I’m thankful that there is always joy to be chosen. With Cystic Fibrosis it can be easy to get discouraged and upset with issues I deal with, but I have come to realize that the only way to overcome this disease is through joy. Maintaining a positive attitude while dealing with a chronic illness is key. It’s a willful choice. I believe our joy comes from God as a sacred gift. Choosing joy is a small step, but its impact is profound. Joy is more than an emotion, it’s an attitude. I choose joy!