Club CF 20+

People with CF who are LIVING, BREATHING and SUCCEEDING at 20+ may be in school finishing up their education as an undergraduate or continuing their education in graduate school.

This may be a time when 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 to become more independent and are living on their own, managing money, paying rent and getting proper medical insurance.

The 20’s are a great time to be socializing, networking, starting relationships, exercising and playing sports, as well as figuring out time management and compliance with treatments while working.

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.

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

December 2009

Kurt Zimmerman

“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.”

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

“In completing the [New York City] marathon, I proved that CF will not prevent me from achieving my goals.”

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 Pastime: 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 eight 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, every day 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 am working toward 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.

Favorite Food: Mexican
Favorite Movie: The Notebook
Favorite Color: Carolina Blue (Go Tar Heels!)
Favorite Music: Anything I can dance to
Role Model: Tiffany Christensen
Dream Vacation: Disney World
You can find Meranda on ... 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 downhill 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 barely swim a lap.  I now swim five days a week for about 45 minutes each time and am feeling great!  My FEV1, which were at one point in the high 20s, are now at 58 percent, 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!

Favorite Holiday: Thanksgiving
Favorite Food: Chicken
Favorite Pastime: Going to baseball games
One Word that Describes You: Committed
Favorite Movie: Field of Dreams
Favorite Music: Blues
Dream Vacation: Germany