WESTLEY

Hey! My name is Westley Hekking and I currently have Cystic Fibrosis. Cystic Fibrosis or "CF" for short is a genetic disorder that targets the cells in my lungs to not function properly. At first glance, CF can have a scary outlook. I was diagnosed when I was only 3 years old. From then on, I learned to put CF into perspective and even find the benefits that it can have on myself and those around me.
First the facts.... CF is a serious disease that affects "insert fact here" many people across the world on different severity levels. CF is easily described as living with pneumonia everyday. At my best, others might not even realize that I live a different life, but my worst consists of extended stays at the hospital with respiratory therapy and IV antibiotics. My normal day consists of taking antibiotics multiple times a day along with breathing treatments in order for me to keep my lung function up.
Although CF presents many challenges, I choose to live everyday to the fullest and not let my disease dictate what I can and can't do. In fact, exercise and fresh air are some of the best treatments for me. CF helps me to never take anything for granted and to live everyday to the best of my ability. CF also makes me appreciate my family and friends for their support during my hard times.
Although I don't want to discredit the impacts CF can have on everyday life, I also don't want people to feel sorry for me. Everyone has their challenges in life and one of mine just happens to be CF. Researchers have had many break throughs in the past decade and I can only hope that this trend will continue and a cure will be discovered in the near future. Current research seeks to find a cure by replacing the defected gene through gene therapy. Research and development continues to help improve treatment and the future for those currently living with CF. My hope is that one day all forms of CF will have a cure so myself and others will no longer have to live with this disease. Thank you for your support in my battle with CF and good luck with whatever challenges life might present you with.