Individuals that are LIVING BREATHING SUCCEEDING as Caregivers are true warriors to all of us with cystic fibrosis. Parents, siblings, extended family members, and good friends all offer encouragement, a smile, and support by just being there…Caregivers also include the health care team that heal, nurture, and educate the people with CF; be it the doctor, nurse coordinator, respiratory therapist, social worker, and dietitian to name a few.
July 2009
“You come to love not by finding the perfect person, but by seeing an imperfect person, perfectly.” Sam Keen
I first met my husband, Mohammad over the internet in 2003. We spent long hours chatting, both over the phone and online, and after three short months, I made a trip to Chicago to meet his family. In him I found a very wonderful person who, despite his ill health, inspired me in ways I never thought possible. Shortly after my visit, we married. It was then, when I became Mohammad’s wife, that I realized the great responsibility of his illness and joined him in his fight against cystic fibrosis.
With our CF center 2 hours away from our home in St. Petersburg, Florida, and Mohammad bed ridden and unable to work, the everyday fight still proves to be difficult. Struggling to pay the bills and make rent, I am constantly juggling the roles of caretaker and homemaker. I have to be a shoulder to cry on, a cheerleader when Mohammad has an infection, an advocate among doctors, a housekeeper, nurse, and most importantly a wife.
Now that Mohammad is 42, there is a greater need for him to stay compliant. Every morning I wake him up early and help him with his treatments and airway clearance. However exhausting the daily treatments are, I am thankful for the hours it gives us together. Mohammad has an extra spark for life—making every minute I spend with him a reward in itself. My goal each day is to do whatever I can to make my husband feel comfortable and continue breathing—with the hope that he will receive a lung transplant and more freedom in the future.
There is a great love and respect that we share for each other and most importantly there is hope. Hope that Mohammad will receive a double lung transplant; hope that we will get through the next day or the next week. But most importantly, I am grateful that my husband is still alive and never loosing hope.
Learn more about Jennifer…
Favorite Holiday?
Halloween
Favorite Movie?
Ever After
Favorite Color?
Teal
One word that describes you?
Chipper
Role Model?
My mother
Do you have a nickname?
Mon Mon—short for Monia which is Arabic for heart’s wish.
Where’s Jennifer?
Facebook.
April 2009
“The past is history, the future is a mystery, but today is a gift-that’s why they call it “the present’”
My whole life I have always considered myself a caring person. The decision to become a social worker was an easy one for me. Originally from Long Island, NY, I attended The University of Albany for my undergraduate degree. I later graduated from Adelphi University where I received a Masters in Social Work. Throughout my education I had numerous internships that helped me realize that social work was the right fit for me.
I have been a social worker at Saint Vincent’s CF Center, in New York City, for over 10 years. There are over 170 cystic fibrosis patients where I work full time for the center. This has allowed me to form many great relationships with my patients to the point where I know what there favorite flavor of bubble gum is. I have the opportunity to work with various issues including; medical insurance, medication compliance, educating families on CF, transplant issues, and just being there for the patients.
Having CF definitely complicates aspects of a person’s life and that takes a toll on patients in many different ways. I try my best to make my patients feel better, whether they are adolescence, who I am teaching the importance of being compliant, or dealing with parents, who are feeling guilty or overwhelmed. It is my job to take the daily stress off of patients by becoming like a personal assistant.
Learn more about Amy…
What is your favorite holiday?
Easter
What is your favorite food?
Pickles
Favorite past time?
Tennis
Do you have a nickname?
Aimes
What one word would best describe you?
Cheerful
What is your favorite movie?
Hunt for Red October
Who is your role model?
My sister
What is your favorite type of music?
Elton John
The Boomer Esiason Foundation is committed to showing the world that people with CF are living longer, fuller lives.
If you are one of the many Living Breathing Succeeding join Club CF and become a role model for the entire CF community!
