Club CF 20+

People with CF that are LIVING BREATHING SUCCEEDING at 20+ may be in school finishing up their education as an undergraduate or continuing their education in graduate school. This may also be a time that they are sorting out their life, job-hunting, interviewing for a job, and jumping into the career world. Reality may be setting in as they start becoming more independent and living on their own, managing money, paying rent and getting proper medical insurance. The 20’s are also a great time to be socializing, networking, starting relationships, exercising & playing sports, as well as figuring out time management & compliance with treatments while working.

December 2009

Kurt Zimmerman

I am 21 years old and was born in Pittsburgh, Penn.  When I was young, my family moved to Denver, Colo., but we eventually settled in Sacramento, Calif.  I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at the age of seven after my mother discovered I had nasal polyps.  Growing up, I was always compliant with my treatments, and I enjoy biking to stay healthy. 

I currently attend the University of California - Los Angeles, where I am studying Rocket Science.  I intend to graduate and perhaps pursue a career at NASA.  While I have a busy schedule at school, I still make time to for my treatments.  For example, if I am studying, I use my treatments as a study break.  Or if I am hanging out and watching a movie, I will put my vest on. 

Some of my hobbies include hanging out with friends, skiing, watching movies and of course, my passion; rockets.  I am in the Rocket Club at UCLA, and intend to get an internship in this field while continuing to pursue my degree in Rocket Science. 

Favorite Holiday?
Christmas

Favorite Food?
Sushi

Favorite Movie?
Apollo 13

Favorite Color?
Green

Role Model?
Parents

Dream Vacation?
Skiing in the Canadian Rockies

You can find Kurt on…
Facebook

December 2009

Casey Flaherty

I am 26 years old living in New York City.  I am currently a full-time nursing student at CUNY Hunter in Manhattan.  I decided to pursue nursing after meeting so many wonderful nurses during my experiences in and out of the hospital, and it is a career that that will allow me to take care of others but also to dedicate time to my own health

To keep in shape, I enjoy yoga and running outdoors.  I recently ran for Team Boomer in the ING NYC Marathon and completed the race in 4:23:17.  In completing the marathon, I proved that CF will not prevent me from achieving my goals.  I also hoped that by running, I was able to inspire others with CF to take on a goal that will improve their health.

For me, running is the most effective form of airway clearance possible.  I continue to exercise every day to remain healthy, and I encourage all people with CF to get out there and clear their lungs through exercise.  I am fortunate to have a wonderful family and support system, and I am enjoying life while pursing my nursing degree.

Favorite Holiday?
Christmas

Favorite Pasttime?
Running

Favorite Food?
Pizza

Favorite Movie?
Love Actually

One Word that Describes You?
Determined

Favorite Color?
Green

Dream Vacation?
Bora Bora

You can find Casey on…
Facebook

June 2009

Meranda Honaker

“We always have to have hope that things will work out in a good way”

When I was 8 months old, I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. Growing up in the heat of North Carolina I lived a normal, active childhood. Living with cystic fibrosis became more challenging during my late teenage years when I developed CF related diabetes. I have been able to overcome the most difficult of days by maintaining a positive attitude, following my doctor’s orders and, most importantly, being as physically active as possible.

During my years as a high school student at New Hope Academy, I learned the importance of routine exercise and being compliant with my healthcare. By participating in routine physical activities such as tennis, swimming and jogging on the treadmill, everyday I have more energy, less stress and an overall improvement in my ability to live a full life.

Now, I am 26 years old and I continue to put my healthcare first. Currently, I am a full time “online” college student and working towards receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from the University of Phoenix in 2012. I hope to use the knowledge I will gain in college to educate and encourage members of the CF community.

Learn more about Meranda…
What is your favorite food?
Mexican
What is your favorite movie?
The Notebook
Favorite Color?
Carolina Blue (Go Tar Heels!)
Favorite Music?
Anything I can dance to
Do you have a role model?
Tiffany Christensen

Dream Vacation?
Disney World
Where is Meranda?
Facebook

April 2009

Chad Brown

“No matter what never give up.  It is your life and you only have one so take charge and do with it what you will.”

I was diagnosed with CF when I was only one day old.  I was always treated very differently and in many ways babied.  This temporarily helped me cope with my disease; however, it eventually took a negative toll on me.  I really was not affected by CF until I was about 21 years old.  It was all down hill from there for about four years.  As a result of not taking care of myself I was in and out of the hospital all the time and was eventually put on the transplant list. 

As a result of insurance issues, I eventually moved to Seattle, where my life began to change.  With the help from the doctors at the University of Washington Medical Center I was able to get a new lease on life.  The thing that made the biggest impact on me was being disciplined with my treatments and exercise.  I quickly realized that the more I exercised the more my health improved.  For me, swimming has kept me alive and healthy.  When I first started swimming I could barley swim a lap.  I now swim five days a weak for about forty five minutes each time and am feeling great!  My FEV1, which were at one point in the high 20’s, are now at 58% and I have more energy than ever.

Now, I am pursuing a college degree in engineering, working 30 hours a week, involved in a great relationship, and looking ahead to marriage and starting a family.  Life is good!

Learn more about Chad…

What is your favorite holiday?
Thanksgiving

What is your favorite food?
Chicken

Favorite past time?
Going to baseball games

What one word would best describe you?
Committed

What is your favorite movie?
Field of Dreams

What is your favorite type of music?
Blues

What is your dream vacation?
Germany