Club CF 60+

People with CF that are LIVING BREATHING SUCCEEDING at 60+ most likely are retired and possibly enjoying grandchildren. It’s all about hobbies and a stroll in the park with loved ones. THEY are a true inspiration to the CF community !

April 2009

Laura Tillman

“The Essence of Compassion: Resolve to be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant with the weak and wrong… because sometime in your life you will have been all of these.”

I grew up in Michigan and was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis in 1995, at the age of 47 after years of suffering from chronic sinus infections, a chronic cough, pseudomonas infections, and a sundry of other symptoms.  I am currently 61 years old and have been married to my husband Lew for 33+ years.  I took early retirement in 2000, from my position as a certified school psychologist, due to constant infections acquired from working with infants and toddlers.  Since then, I have been involved in volunteer activities for various CF organizations, both state and national.  I currently serve on the Board of Directors of a state organization as well as USACFA.

Initially, after diagnosis, I was completely compliant with all the recommended treatments while still working full-time.  However, finding the time to get adequate sleep and exercise was next to impossible. After 5 years of declining health, I decided to take early retirement, which was the best decision I could have made as far as my health was concerned. 

I have found that maintaining a positive attitude and a sense of humor can be very beneficial to my health. One of my favorite little sayings is; “she who laughs, lasts…”  I feel that these factors - volunteerism, attitude, and humor - as well as the support of my husband are as important as the medicines and treatments that I will continue to receive throughout the remainder of my life.  My husband and doctor might take exception to this and add that my stubbornness and feistiness also keep me going. 

Although I’m pretty insistent in determining the terms of my care, I will do whatever I consider reasonable in order to achieve my goal of living a very long and fulfilling life. I know that CF is a monster that can turn quickly and rear its ugly head.  That’s why it’s good to be prepared with knowledge, a great doctor, and flexibility in one’s attitude.  The key to maintaining one’s health status is to be as knowledgeable about your own body as well as to be a very informed medical consumer.

Learn more about Laura…

What is your proudest moment in your life?
Asked to be a god parent

What is your favorite food?
Middle Eastern

Favorite Color?
Mauve

Favorite movie?
Gone With The Wind

Favorite Hobbies?
Baking, pilates, animals, reading

Have you won any awards?
Years of Dedication Award from CFF, 6th Grade Spelling Bee

What is your dream vacation?
Bostwana and Victoria Falls, Africa

What is your favorite type of music?
60’s

Passions?
Travel, Theatre, Opera, Dance

Where is Laura?
Cysticfibrosis.com, Cystic L