Meet the 2024 Scholars

"Describe a defining moment in your journey with CF that sparked personal growth or resilience. How did this experience affect you and what did you learn from this moment?"

In my childhood, I do not remember worrying about what came next. There was no worry about sickness or being limited by what I could not do. Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Medications made me feel as if the disease of CF never existed. I never questioned whether I could participate in sports or dance because of my health. I was just like every other kid. But as we all know, nothing lasts forever. During the last months of 2023, I was involved in all my usual extracurricular activities. That changed one weekend in December. I had been sick a few weeks before that, but my parents and I thought it was a common cold. Friday night, I performed my dance solo and felt a little "off," but nothing I hadn't experienced before. However, that next morning, something was different. I walked into dance class feeling extremely fatigued. I started the warm-up and got through the two-minute routine several times. Suddenly, my chest began to feel very tight, and something happened. I could not catch my breath! I felt like I was suffocating. The room was full of amazing dancers and teachers, and it felt like everyone was watching me. I tried not to panic or show fear. I sat down, which I never do, and just tried to relax and breathe. Time went by, and I still could not catch my breath. I was terrified, and started to cry. Nothing has ever scared me as much as that moment. My rescue inhaler was of no assistance. I passed out and awoke to find my mom and teacher huddled over me. After getting my breath back, I realized how I had taken my good health and ease of breathing for granted. I was very sick, and it took well over two months to feel like me again. During this time, I was prohibited from any activity, including dance. It was dreadful. I had never been on bed rest or restricted from any activity before. Seeing everyone around me happy while I was sick made me angry at myself. For a while, I had little hope that I'd ever feel better again. I was on so many medications and breathing treatments. At some point, I stopped feeling sorry for myself. I promised myself never to take my capabilities and health for granted again and that CF would not beat me. I was ecstatic as soon as I could stand up and walk without being tired. I am so grateful for the medications and professionals who healed me and continue to keep me healthy. It is not easy to stay compliant with my CF treatments every day, but I am committed to doing everything I can to maintain my health and live my dreams. I've since returned to dance, competed in many competitions, and even won several awards. This recent illness first humbled me and then inspired me to always appreciate the little moments and never take my good health for granted.