Club CF 40+

People with CF that are LIVING BREATHING SUCCEEDING at 40+ may be very stable in their career. They may be getting promoted or slowing down a little to take care of their health. As therapies increase, striking a balance between treatments and work is important so they can enjoy life! Family life and children’s education are important as well as maintaining their health through compliance and exercise. They may also be getting ready for a double lung transplant so they can start a new life post transplant.

January 2010

Joan Finnegan Brooks

“I have never viewed CF as a burden.”

I am 49 years old, and I grew up in Sleepy Hollow, N.Y.  Born with CF in 1960, I was given less than 10 years to live.  My mother and father instilled independence and responsibility in me at a young age, and I learned to do all of my therapies and take care of myself by the time I reached high school.  I have never viewed CF as a burden; it is something that is built into my every day routine.

Exercise is one of the most important factors in my life and staying healthy with CF.  I discovered the wonders of exercise in high school while playing field hockey.  As a result of all the running on the field, my lungs would clear and I could breathe easier.  Since then, I have run – I’ve completed a marathon and several half-marathons.  I also enjoy dancing and cycling.

I attended Brown University and graduated with a degree in economics.  I live in the Boston area with my husband of 20 years. I work full-time, managing my own consulting practice.  I also volunteer for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, as giving back to the community is very important to me.  For 49 years, I have successfully managed CF and remained optimistic the entire time.  I intend to possess that attitude well into the future.

Favorite holiday?
Christmas

Favorite food?
Mashed potatoes

Favorite past-time?
Sudoku

Favorite movie?
It’s a Wonderful Life

Favorite color?
Green

Dream vacation?
Italy

You can find Joan on…
Facebook

July 2009

Paul Drury

“Live in the now.”

Born in Chesire, Connecticut with five older brothers and sisters, I was diagnosed with CF at the age of 2. Growing up, I had a normal, active, childhood with the “usual” cleanouts—playing sports like baseball, golf and hockey in high school. When I began attending the University of Connecticut in the late eighties, I found adjusting to college life very difficult. I was very private about having cystic fibrosis and avoided telling my friends, so as not to be treated differently.

During my first semester at school, I got pneumonia. My lung collapsed three times during my second semester, resulting in one of my lungs glued to the inside of my chest—in an attempt to prevent a future collapse. However, my other lung collapsed, forcing me to miss a full year of school at UConn and return home.
Although it was a struggle, spending the year at home turned out to be a blessing in disguise. In November, my dad passed away after a heart attack. That spring and fall with him at home, watching the Red Sox go to the World Series, provided me with memories that I still cherish.

After I graduated from UConn with a degree in economics my condition worsened causing me to reveive a double lung transplant.  Following my transplant I started a marathon golf event as a volunteer for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. In 1996, I was put on the CFF staff and have since become the Director of Special Projects and the Executive Director of the CT chapter.  Now, at the age 43, I have learned that living with CF has given me a unique perspective on life, one that has taught me to live in the moment and never loose hope. I currently live in Plantsville CT with my wife and two dogs—taking one day at a time and always maintaining a positive outlook on life.

Learn More About Paul:

Favorite Holiday?
Thanksgiving

Favorite food?
Chicken

Favorite Past time?
Painting (pointillism is my specialty!) and the Boston Red Sox

One word that describes you?
Witty

Role Model?
My Mom

Dream Vacation?
Alaska (I traveled there with Boomer!)

A Fun Fact about Paul Drury: 
My wife, Ivona, bought me at a CF bachelor bid in 1998.  We have been together ever since.

You can find Paul on…
Facebook

April 2009

Jenny Davison

“CF is a part of who I am but it does not define me”

I am 40 years old and have Cystic Fibrosis.  I am the youngest of nine children, three of which had CF.  Growing up in a big family, there was no time to feel sorry for one single person, so I was treated like everyone else.  Which in retrospect I believe helped build my strength and character.  I have always been very independent and a hard worker.

After High School, I attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan.  I received a degree in Textiles Development and Marketing and worked for a short time in the Fashion Industry.  I quickly realized my true desire was to help people, and returned to school to become a Registered Nurse.  I was able to maintain a career in Nursing for over 10 years, working in the Pediatric ICU and the Recovery Room, before I had to stop working.  The decision to stop working, although very difficult, was the right choice for me.

Family has always been very important to me.  I met my husband at a very young age and the decision to marry was an easy one.  The decision to start a family was obviously much more difficult.  We decided that if Tim was a carrier, we would not have any children.  But, he is not, so we went for it.  Luckily at the time I was healthy enough to sustain a pregnancy for nine months and she was born without any complications and is now a healthy 11 year old girl!  Having my daughter, Dara, was for me, the best decision I ever made, she has brought so much joy to our lives!

I recommend to all people with CF to get out there and live your life without putting any restrictions on yourself.  Being active is the key to a good quality of life.  I have always enjoyed skiing, swimming, riding my bike, whatever will take me outdoors and allow me to feel alive!!  Just because you have CF doesn’t mean you have to stop living your life.  I have always felt that I was going to do what everyone else does; I just have to work a little harder at it!!

Learn More About Jenny…

What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas

Favorite food?
Ice cream and pizza

Favorite movie?
My Cousin Vinnie

Do you have a role model?
My mother

Favorite color?
Orange

What is your poudest moment?
Getting married and giving brith to my child

What is your dream vacation?
Australia