Club CF 30+
People with CF who are LIVING, BREATHING and SUCCEEDING at 30+ may be very involved in their careers, climbing the corporate ladder and working on a relationship. Marriage, buying a home and starting a family are also common undertakings for people with CF, as they are living longer and benefiting from a better quality of life due to advances in therapies.
During their 30’s, CF patients may be doing more IV antibiotic therapies, more chest airway clearance therapies, looking into getting a Mediport to make things easier, maintaining their health through exercise and compliance, and coming up with clever ways to manage all of this while socializing.
July 2009
Cris Dopher
“Keep moving forward.”
At four years old, I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. With my boyish good looks and Southern California residency, I was chosen to be the poster child for the San Diego chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. My face was put on CF posters and distributed throughout the Foundation and the greater CF community. Before I entered the sixth grade, my dad moved our family to Missouri, where I first learned the importance of exercising from CF doctors at the University of Missouri - Columbia Hospital.
Unable to play sports during my first years of high school after a farming accident crushed my ankle, I found a passion in theater. Soon I was designing sets as well as acting in my high school plays. After graduating from college, I attended graduate school at NYU and received my master’s in fine arts.
In the years following graduate school, I began to notice a progression in the severity of my disease. Last March, when I was 36 years old, I struggled with another exacerbation. Climbing a flight of stairs left me breathless, and I began to fear the worst. It was not until after the IVs started to work and I began exercising every day that I became stronger — both mentally and physically.
Even though it still remains a challenge to take the appropriate amount of enzymes every day, and eat as my doctors instruct, I am much more compliant now and rarely miss my treatments. There also is a greater need for me to maintain my health due to CF-related diabetes. I believe that the importance of compliance is the equivalent of how much belief you have in yourself and in your future.
I spend my free time volunteering and fund raising for the Boomer Esiason Foundation, which includes running for Team Boomer once a year. Making my own contributions to BEF allows me to give back and stay connected to the greater Cystic Fibrosis community. All in all, I keep moving forward — in my work, in my relationships and most importantly, in my healthcare
Favorite Holiday: Thanksgiving
Favorite Food: Sushi
Role Model: I admire my dad and the Jewish actor Zero Mostel, both for their resilience
Dream Vacation: An around-the-world motorcycle tour
Fun Fact About Cris: I rode my Harley to Alaska
You can find Cris on ... Facebook, running blog www.myteamboomer.com/profile/CrisDopher
April 2009
Tiffany Christensen
“It’s not how many breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away.”
At six months of age, I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. At 12, I had my first in-hospital stay and began physically and emotionally grappling with the difficulty of this disease. In 1996, at age 21, I was too sick to keep up with my college classmates. I had to give up my acting dreams and drop out of school, and at this time I was listed for a double-lung transplant. In 2000, my life was spared by the gift of a double-lung transplant. For two years, I did well physically but struggled to find a healthy relationship and meaning in my life. In 2002, I received the devastating news that my lungs were being rejected, and I became very sick very quickly.
With no second transplant in sight, I found my inner world opening as my outer body weakened. I discovered a connection to the universe I had never known, and my self image began to shift. Instead of defining myself by my actions, I was able to go deeper and find my true essence. This is the “Permanent Me.” This new understanding of myself and others allowed me to embrace the idea that I was valuable; in a hospital gown or in an evening gown! The person inside the wrapper remained the same. I was able to get a second transplant in March 2004. When I woke up in ICU, I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to those touched by illness.
Today, I am in my mid-30s and am enjoying the best time of my life. In 2007, my first book, “Sick Girl Speaks!” (http://www.sickgirlspeaks.com) was published and became popular with patients, families and healthcare professionals. I also enjoy the role of Illness and Transition Coach, helping other patients navigate the healthcare maze. Since 2005, I have participated in many exciting speaking events. While my career gives me great satisfaction, my greatest joy has come from meeting the man of my dreams, adopting one crazy Whippet and enjoying life with my wonderful friends and family. I know that life is precious and precarious. It is my hope to live each day with integrity and purpose; leaving no room for regrets.
Favorite Food: French Fries
Favorite Color: Blue
Nickname: Nina
Awards: Heroes of Hope
Favorite Holiday: Halloween
Dream Vacation: Denmark
Favorite Music: Alternative
You can find Tiffany on ... Facebook, Twitter, Cystic L, Second Wind, www.sickgirlspeaks.com
