I recently completed an art project, the CF Art Dexterity Project, where 5 patients of CF were given the chance to have their photo taken and placed in the hallways of St. Joseph’s Hospital in Denver, CO. The Cystic Fibrosis Art Dexterity Project was created to encourage exercise for CF patients and to address the need for connective art in the hospital hallways. Walking around the halls and viewing the portraits becomes a way to bring patients into the “outside” world within the hospital walls and to create a community. These souls are special and I wanted to share with you the gifted, grateful perspective that CF has given them. I added myself at the end too, so you can get to know me as well.

Michelle:

What triumphs have you overcome relating to CF?

I don’t think I can limit it to just one. I ran varsity cross country my entire high school career, and ran my first half marathon last summer in under two hours and ten minutes! I hike 14ers. I went almost 20 years without ever being hospitalized for a CF related cause, which unfortunately came to an end when I got pneumonia and was hospitalized the day before by 20th birthday. I’ve done so many things that people have doubted me for and my disease has said I am not capable of, which only makes them bigger triumphs because I can look at what was weighing me down (like CF) and say “HA! I did it!”

Nick:

What has CF given you?

CF has given me a lot of things but not all of them have been bad. Although it's kept me from doing a few things, my CF has generally been very mild. I'm extremely lucky. That said, it has connected me to a group of people that I would never have met had I not had CF. Similarly, it has given me a perspective on the world that only comes to someone who lives with an illness each day. I'm always thinking long-term yet, also thinking extremely short-term because both are concerns for me. I want to do so many things later in life but in order to be able to do those, I know I have to do certain things now and in a certain way, now. Also, I know I've got to take each opportunity as it comes. Realistically, next week I could end up unable to do what I can now so I've really got to live each day doing as much of what I want to, as I can. I don't think many people my age (24) think that way because so many of them think they live forever. I hope to live to be 85 or older but I also know that may not be the reality of it so I've got to do it now.

John:

What has CF given you?

Perspective and adversity. Life is all about perspective. We may not control the hand we're dealt but we absolutely control how to play them. To borrow a quote from the late great Lou Holtz: "Show me someone who has done something worthwhile, and I'll show you someone who has overcome adversity." I wouldn't be the man I am today without CF and for that I'm oddly grateful.

Alyssa:

What has CF given you and describe your support system.

CF has given me everything. It may have taken a few school days from me, maybe a few friendships. But I like to see it as it was weeding out the stuff I didn't need in my life. CF has given me two strong, carrying parents that would do anything for me. One older brother who has been my best friend and taught me that I can get through anything. Many friendships that showed me no one is normal. And a wonderful husband who supports my decisions and reminds me to take care of myself. Without CF I would not be anywhere close to where I am in life. Everyday I wake up saying, "I've made it this far" feeling proud of what I've gone through to get here. I wouldn't want my life any other way.

Max:

What has CF given you?

CF has given me...

Optimism

Patience

Frustration

Discipline

Gluttony

Uncertainty

Abs

Excuses

Subtlety

Purpose

Curiosity

Determination

Scars

...A LIFE

Vicki (me)

What has CF given me?

CF has given me plenty that I am grateful for. I am grateful for learning life lessons at a young age. I was shown that there is always something positive in the negative and it can always be worse. Exploring death, going through denial and being shaken out of it. Running, jumping, playing. Living. Snowboarding. Yoga. Surfing. When earth shatters, I have the ability to pick up the pieces to this puzzle with my friends and family. I am grateful to be learning (always learning) to know how important it is to let others in when you’re sick. I am working on not thinking that I am not worthy of love during this time. Laughing until I am coughing. I can spend time with myself, maybe a little too well. I can thoroughly enjoy the moment and company of others. I look at the stars and know we are part of them. An infinite love for salt water. I become aware that when I am not hearing the music, then I am getting sick. I know my body is more resilient than I ever could have imagined, and I know my mind is the fragile part, which I need to watch over and fortify with positive thoughts and positive human connections. And that’s ok, because, I know. But, when my mind and body work together, I will meet you on the top of Mt. Everest. I am grateful for the questions people ask and curious about the ones they don’t. As my tenses are mixed up, I realize I am grateful for the loss of the sense of time, past, present and future due to living in the moment, wherever and whenever that may be. I am grateful to be able to share this experience with you, that is what CF has given me.

Vicki Thompson is a 29-year New York resident. She loves art, music and movement; the trifecta makes her who she is. If you’d like to connect with her, e-mail her at vickithompson27@gmail.com.

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