May 2010

Andrea Eisenman

“Recently, I passed the 10-year anniversary of my transplant, and I’m doing things that I never expected to do.”

To be honest, when I was in my teens and early 20s, I wasn’t disciplined about my treatment and my health.  I guess I was resentful that I had to take care of myself in a way that my friends didn’t.  Being compliant and working and trying to have a social life — sometimes it was too much.  I was hospitalized several times for pneumonia, and my prognosis was not good.

In my early 30s as my health was deteriorating, I was placed on the lung transplant waiting list.  I was dependent on oxygen, and I had colds that lasted for two or three weeks.  My lungs were bleeding, and I had hemoptysis frequently.  But even as I struggled, I knew I had to be compliant with my treatments, and I exercised in whatever way I could, usually on the treadmill or by swimming with my oxygen on.

In 2000, at the age of 35, I received a double-lung transplant.  Despite my condition, it wasn’t an easy decision.  There was no guarantee that it would go well, there were a lot of risk factors.  After my transplant, I was in the hospital for 13 days, but I felt elated when I could take a deep breath without coughing.  I hadn’t been able to do that since I was about 10 or 12 years old.

Recently, I passed the 10-year anniversary of my transplant, and I’m doing things that I never expected to do.  I try to do up to an hour-and-a-half a day of anything that’s cardiovascular to keep my lungs clear.  To maintain my health, I go to the gym, swim, play tennis, and go bike riding.  I have been in the Transplant Games twice, and I’ve won a silver and a bronze medal.  I didn’t expect to be able to do these things; I just hoped that my transplant would enable me to get off oxygen and be a little more independent.

One of my inspirations during my toughest years and since has been participating in and serving the CF community.  For many years, I felt isolated because I didn’t know anyone with CF.  It wasn’t until 1997 when I went to a Cystic Fibrosis Research Inc. conference in California that I met people who were living and working with CF.  These were people I could talk to, and they would understand what I was going through.  At the conference, I met a volunteer who worked on the “CF Roundtable” newsletter, and she asked me to join the Board.  I began to volunteer on the publication, which I still do today.  I also volunteer for the New York Organ Donor Network, and I participate in CF walks.

I appreciate every moment I have, and I appreciate the surprises that life sometimes brings.  For example, one day, I was walking my dog, and I met a man at the dog park.  His name is Steve Downey, and we got married in September 2008.

I’m committed to staying compliant because I don’t want to slide back into sickness. 

Favorite Holiday: Thanksgiving. You can eat whatever you want all day.
Favorite Food: Japanese
Favorite Pastime:  Several. I love reading fictional literature and non-fiction. Cooking. I love to go to the movies, and I watch a lot of documentaries.
Favorite Movie: Paradise Lost (documentary)
Favorite Music: REM, Liz Phair, Bob Mould, Led Zeppelin, trip-hop, Olive, Air, Morcheeba, and ‘80s stuff
Favorite Color: Olive
Nickname: Andy
One Word that Describes You: Quirky
Role Model: My mother. I lived with her when I was too sick to be independent, and she’s always been there for me. She has kept me from giving up. She and her parents escaped from the Nazis in Austria, and I think that’s where I inherited my survivor skills.
Favorite Words of Wisdom: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Dream Vacation: Somewhere tropical or in the Mediterranean, where the food is good and I could play tennis and be in the water. No computers.

May 2010

Steve Bell

“It’s not about the challenges, it’s about your attitude, how you overcome, and what you do with what you’ve learned from that experience.”

I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when I was three months old.  Throughout my life, there were always obstacles or doubts or challenges.  Some more difficult than others.  But it’s not about the challenges, it’s about your attitude, how you overcome, and what you do with what you’ve learned from that experience.  Whether it is the diagnosis of CF related diabetes, overcoming the daily battle, or walking on to the Ithaca College soccer team, I’m determined, I fight, and I prevail.

To stay healthy, I am compliant with my treatments and exercise five to six days a week. I enjoy playing soccer and running. I ran the 2009 New York City Marathon and finished in 3:57, achieving my goal of a sub-four-hour marathon.  Another example of how if you put your mind to something there’s nothing that can stop you.

Today, I’m 26.  I’m happy, I’m healthy, I’m living life to the fullest.

Favorite Holiday: Thanksgiving
Favorite Food: Bagel with cream cheese
Favorite Pastime: Playing soccer (not really a pastime, but I love it)
Favorite Movie: Almost Famous
Favorite Music: Classic rock
Favorite Color: Blue
Nickname: Little Guy, Steve-o
One Word that Describes You: Determined
Role Model: Anyone who lives each day to the fullest
Words of Wisdom: Words of Jimmy V. ... “Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.”
Dream Vacation: Go to a World Cup - planning on 2014 in Brazil
You Can Find Steve On ... Facebook

May 2010

Kayte Tranel

“Although I cannot control many aspects of my life, I have a desire to work hard and focus on the things that I am capable of achieving.”

I am on a mission to use the talents and abilities I’ve been given to their greatest potential.  Although I cannot control many aspects of my life, I have a desire to work hard and focus on the things that I am capable of achieving.

I’ve been blessed with some athletic ability, which complements having cystic fibrosis.  My goals as an athlete give me motivation to be compliant with my CF therapies.  At the same time, being an athlete has become a major component of my care plan, and it has significantly improved my disease outcomes and quality of life.

Finally, I have a passion for learning, and fortunately, health behavior is a growing area of research with plenty left to discover.  I am on a mission as a student and professional to help others value their health and wellness.

Favorite Holiday: Christmas. It includes my favorite things: family, a much-needed break from school, and my favorite foods—peanut brittle, sugar cookies, mashed potatoes and stuffing.
Favorite Food: Mashed potatoes—they go with anything.
Role Model: Several. My mom epitomizes strength and the ability to endure and overcome challenges. My boyfriend, Lucas—his patience and understanding are qualities that I strive to emulate. Abby, my sister, because she fearlessly welcomes challenges. Finally, Brett Favre, because he does what he loves, appears to be a strong leader and doesn’t allow others to place limits on what he is able to achieve.
Dream Vacation: Riding my bike (pedal-powered, that is) across a state that I haven’t visited. It sounds crazy, I know, but I enjoy activities that are physically and mentally challenging, plus I value opportunities to see places I haven’t been able to before.
Fun Fact about You: I’m a crazy dog lady. I have two Schnauzer mixes, Chance and Millie, who I spoil beyond measure.  Chance LOVES to run with me, while Millie prefers to enjoy naps on the couch where she can keep my feet warm. They are THE BEST!
You can find Kayte on ... Facebook