Another Reason to Support Hook the Cure Tournament for Cystic Fibrosis Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
July 16, 2015

Justice and Kristina

Kristina is 36 years old from Aliso Viejo, CA and has a 15 year old son named Justice. She likes to work out, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and is currently pursuing her MBA while working full-time as a project manager. She counts being able to go to work and being a mom as some of her greatest blessings.

The face of Cystic Fibrosis has changed significantly over the past decade. More than half of our CF population is age 18 years or older, meaning it is no longer considered a pediatric disease. Patients like Kristina face new challenges every day. It is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's mission to ensure that patients like Kristina are given access to the highest quality of care and are able to tackle the issues which adults with CF will face today and far into the future.                                   

Meet Kristina:

Q. What challenges do you face living as an adult with CF?

A. Getting up every day and being able to breathe is a challenge. I am constantly thinking about my health, medications, and my stomach and digestion issues. It sometimes feels relentless. It's grueling to maintain your health when you have CF. Every day I wonder if I'll be ok, will I sleep tonight, will I even make it to work? Little things that most people take for granted are my daily worries. Every day I just focus on breathing.

Q. How do you stay positive despite these challenges?

A. My son is my inspiration - I want to be healthy for him. I also stay positive working with CFF. The Foundation is finding new ways to help people manage their lives and live with normalcy and longevity every single day. I am more healthy now - managing my CF - than I have ever been before and that keeps me positive. I have had many low points in my health, but the future with CF is brighter than ever. The fact that more resources and programs are being developed for adults makes me feel like I'm an important focus in the CF community.

Q. In your own words - what are your hopes for the future and how has the CF Foundation been involved in helping you realize those dreams?

A. CFF gives me the opportunity to work with them and advocate for them. I feel honored to be a voice for others, to provide inspiration when they feel low, and to tell everyone about this important cause. Some of the strongest people I've ever known are people that have CF and now they have more hope than ever. I have realized so many dreams in my life that I never thought I would, and I know that the reality for a lot of patients will change as well - more and more people are living longer healthier lives. Kids with CF are going to have opportunities today that kids didn't have 30 years ago. And now,the same is true with adults. It's an exciting time!

The biggest message I carry with me is that - I may have CF, but CF doesn't have me.

Q. How can people help?

A. Please support the CF Foundation as generously as you can. The Annual Fund provides vital resources we need to carry out our mission to cure cystic fibrosis. Please see details about a local matching gift challenge below.

A generous family has offered to match all annual fund gifts to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation during the summer of 2015.

Between now and August 31st, they will match, dollar for dollar, up to the matching goal of $5,000. All contributions received in excess of the match amount will be credited to the Partners in Progress campaign and used to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's mission.
 
Read related: Get Onboard the Tenth Annual Hook the Cure Benefit for Cystic Fibrosis

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