Work

Today I went to a meeting for an upcoming event to raise money for the new Children's Hospital. It always reminds me of how far I have come and how different things are now. I was a patient at the old hospital more often than I would have liked. However, I know that was much less often than some of the friends I met along the way. My doctor told me a few years back about a new study that basically revealed that some CF patients just do better. He said it reminded him of me. There was a time when he would just have to say IVs and my PFTs (pulmonary function tests) would cooperate and go back up. I like to think it has something to do with being stubborn but it might just be a little bit of luck and a lot of prayers.

The question that always stumps me is whether or not I plan to go back to work when my daughter starts school. Sometimes I correct folks and sometimes I just let it go. I would like to say that I choose to stay home and raise my daughter. There is no doubt it was the best thing for her and the best option for my health. I could never have reached this level of compliance and maintained my work life. The reality is that in a 20 minute conversation with my doctor and his colleague, the decision was done. I went to school for 6 years and spent 10 years building a career that made me a little crazy but always assured me that my work really did matter. I do hope to do more volunteer work but it is much more likely that I will become a yoga queen. I do not see a future where my doctor would ever agree to me at work. I am okay with that now. It was a good run and I got a lot done in 10 years. I also got to meet some really interesting people.

One of the ways that people can put their prayers into action is simply to make a gift or get involved. The research towards a cure continues and the money really does add up. My work in philanthropy started in a bowling alley as a poster girl for CF. I have come a long way but we aren't done yet. You can make a gift at www.cff.org or support your local University. You can also attend an event or join a walk. One of my favorite walks was with my largest team ever at a CF Walk. My friend made everyone signs that said they were walking in support of Cindy. She made me a sign that said, "I am Cindy." It was pretty cool.

Blessings,

Cindy