Please read this blog entry from my friend Tim and PLEASE give generously so that people with this condition can get support to live a richer and longer life ..... http://timwotton.wordpress.com/

 

Making it to 40 as a life-long cystic fibrosis (CF)* sufferer was a hugely significant milestone and one I didn’t take lightly.

It came with a mix of emotions – joy, relief and happiness, but also some guilt for those not as fortunate as me in being able to defy the effects of this condition.

Even though my 40 landed on St. Patrick’s Day, the actual evening of my 40 comprised of going for a jog, not because I had no one to party with (that came later); it just seemed the right thing to do. Keeping my mind, body and spirit on the front foot for my ongoing journey.

There was a stark contrast however to how my own mum, Margaret Wotton, spent her own 40 Birthday when I was still a young boy. Her big day coincided with my parents’ first appointment with Doctor Knight, who left them in no doubt that my health was not all it should be… but that he could help. (And he did, and still does help).

I have since thought that that must have been such a deflating way to ‘celebrate’ her 40 and I am very lucky that I could reach the same milestone in such a normal and fun manner.

And yet…

This is all taking place against the usual relentless backdrop of my daily CF and Diabetes medical regime. I didn’t take a day off just because it was my 40.

Like the majority of CF sufferers, I am often lacking in energy due to the extreme effort required to adhere to my punishing schedule. Some of my recent jogs have been like running through treacle.

During a very recent run, I coughed so hard that I produced some blood which is always worrying. My son, Felix, heard one of my recent early morning coughing sessions and said to my wife Katie: “Poor Daddy!”

The other morning after his fourth Birthday, I brought Felix downstairs for his breakfast and he pointed out that one of his balloons had withered. “My balloon is worn out!” he exclaimed.

On some days, that balloon is me.

There are times, when battling CF, I feel more like 400 years old rather than 40. But it makes the days that I feel upbeat, strong and energetic even sweeter and fulfilling.

I will keep you posted on my life affirming moments, trials and tribulations as and when they happen. Please keep reading and sharing my blog and sign up if you have not already done so.

Yours cup half full

Tim