Connie Durfee, Neighbor

Myself and my brother Beriah and my sister Alisha were born with Cystic Fibrosis. Cystic Fibrosis is a life-threatening disorder that causes severe lung damage. Cystic Fibrosis affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat and digestive juices. Normally, these secretions are thin and slippery, but in Cystic Fibrosis, a defective gene causes the secretions to become thick and sticky. Instead of acting as a lubricant, the secretions plug up tubes, ducts and passageways, especially in the pancreas and lungs. We were told that we wouldn't live past the age of 5 years old. Thanks to modern medicine, both myself and my siblings surpassed those statistics. Several years ago, my sister did pass away due to her insurance not working with her or for her. As a result, her body couldn't handle the stress it was under as she was forced to work. In the past few years, I have also lost my father and mother. I continue to raise awarness on Cystic Fibrosis and I currently work as the secretary for my local fire department, Center Groton. I am determined to not allow my condition to get the best of me. I hope my blog is useful to those who don't understand my condition.