Club CF 60+

People with CF who are LIVING, BREATHING and 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 and 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 five 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 volunteerism, attitude and humor—as well as the support of my husband—are as important as the medicines and treatments 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 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.

Proudest Moment: Asked to be a god parent
Favorite Food: Middle Eastern
Favorite Color: Mauve
Favorite Movie: Gone With The Wind
Favorite Hobbies: Baking, pilates, animals, reading
Awards: Years of Dedication Award from CFF, 6th Grade Spelling Bee
Dream Vacation: Bostwana and Victoria Falls, Africa
Favorite Music: 60’s
Passions: Travel, theatre, opera, dance
You can find Laura on ... Cysticfibrosis.com, Cystic L