In Memory of Brookes

I have met so many amazing people along my journey. Just the other day I received a message from my new friend Tanya. She shared with me the story of her brave son Brookes... this year would have been his 35th Birthday. Brookes had CF and passed away Sept. 3, 1988 at the age of eight, following one of the very first heart/lung transplants for CF patients in this country. He lived in Vermont where Milkweed is plentiful and he could often be seen opening up their pods filled with magical wishes and angel wings. 

In his memory she is asking others to plant milkweed in their own backyards to create a  way station for the Monarch butterflies. For information about monarchs, milkweed and way stations, go to www.monarchwatch.org. 

I have always been a huge fan of butterflies and never even knew about the importance of milkweed and way stations. Tanya is sending me some milkweed seeds so I can plant them in my backyard. Although my thumb is far from green I am honored to be a part of Brookes' story. If you happen to find yourself planting milkweed after reading this comment below with what State you live in, so Tanya can track Brookes' path of angel wings. 

I believe every experience doesn't just happen by chance and I found myself smiling when Tanya was telling me about the butterflies and milkweed. I was smiling because I remembered this photo I took last year when I attended a butterfly release just 8 days before Brookes 34th bday... I sent it to Tanya and she confirmed that the pic I took was indeed of milkweed. I'm pretty sure when I snapped that pic a year ago it was just my angels above keeping me on track. 

Breathe out Love! Xo

Fly High

"The man who has no imagination has no wings"-Muhammad Ali 

"Maybe life isn't about avoiding the bruises. Maybe it's about collecting the scars to prove you showed up for it."

I believe life is what you make it. So make sure you keep showing up for it time and time again. Get back up and keep trying! It'll be frustrating, but keep your goals in mind and stay focused... don't give up! Your struggles make you stronger, and you're strong! Don't wonder how hard you'll fall... Instead wonder how high you'll fly!! Because whatever life may throw your way all you can really do is spread your wings and fly! 

Breathe out Love! Xo❤️

Happy Birthday BC

Happy Birthday to this amazing woman.... 

It takes a village to maintain CF and I can't imagine growing up without her advice and expertise. I am blessed to call Barbara Chatfield aka "BC" a friend, not only is she a great friend but she was my pediatric CF Doc. I'm pretty sure I am responsible for a gray hair or two... Ha Ha!! I mean, she did have to put up with me throughout my teenage years. She deserves an award for that alone, so naturally in November of 2009 she was awarded the Love To Breathe® Award. 

"They say you have never really lived until you have done something for someone that can never repay you" and this quote couldn't be more true, I truly believe she is one of the many reasons why I, and I am sure many others are still here today. Happy Birthday BC! I hope your day is absolutely wonderful! 

Breathe out Love! Xo❤️  

 

 

 

Life is good

Happy Monday!! 

Remember 7 billion people will experience this day in a different way. How you'll experience it, is up to you. Make it count! 

Breathe out Love! Xo

Small pieces... Make the BIG picture.

Imagine putting together a puzzle with infinite small pieces?! 

What a pain in my lung... Literally! Ha! 

These lungs of mine are so complex and keep me on my toes at all times. I feel like they are a puzzle with too many small pieces to count. I had a professional photo shoot today, ok fine they were X-rays ; ) but I had the chance to see my pearly whites. This is my actual x-ray, Im pretty sure they keep getting whiter and whiter... my teeth should probably take note ; )  ha. 

Well the good news is I don't have a pneumothorax which could also be referred to as a collapsed lung. The bad news is we aren't to sure what is causing this little yet significant pain of mine. Most likely it's just a cluster of infection, so hopefully I can remedy it soon with even more treatments and airway clearance or it might be time to throw some antibiotics in the mix. 

See I wasn't kidding, more small pieces to my puzzle. Although, I'm not sure I'd have it any other way... after all it's the small pieces that make the BIG picture. 

Breathe out Love! Xo

 

Be Infinite!

Fear is an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.... CF is fear. Living with fear lurking over you can be daunting at times. Remember to rise up and be stronger than your fears and show them how brave you are, be infinite. Distinguish every fear with your breath. Tell your story, inspire, and be fearless while doing so... You just never know when you can make a difference.

Breathe out Love! Xo

Bonded For Life

Sending love to all my CYSTERS and FIBROS today and everyday, especially those that are needing a lil extra love right now!! Trough THICK and thin, we are in this together. Keep staying strong! 

Breathe out Love! Xo❤️