Tolliver Waters

Hi! My name is Tolliver. I may look like a normal kid, but inside my body is fighting a battle just to grow and keep breathing. I have cystic fibrosis, CF for short.

Every day I have to do 2 to 4 breathing treatments to keep my lungs clear and healthy. These treatments take anywhere from 2 to 5 hours every day.  I have to do this because my body loses more salt, causing thick, sticky mucus to build up in my lungs. This mucus makes it easy for bacteria to infect and damage my lungs. 

I am really good at swallowing pills. I started swallowing pills whole before I turned 1! I swallow 15-18 pills every day! Cystic fibrosis also affects the pancreas, liver, and reproductive system. That same mucus that damages the lungs also affects the pancreas, making it difficult for my body to digest and absorb fat, protein, and fat soluble vitamins. I have to take enzymes to help break down these foods so that my body can grow.  I also have to eat a lot. 

About 25% of people with CF also have CF liver disease. I am one of those lucky people. I have to be monitored and get liver scans routinely to make sure my liver stays healthy. Some people with CF need liver transplants. I hope these new medications I am taking will help me avoid this.

There have been so many breakthroughs in treatment and care, which has made it so I can go to school, grow up, and live longer than was believed just a few years ago.  But there is still work to do. I would love to someday not have to do hours of treatments every day. I would also like to not have to be hospitalized for weeks at a time regularly.

You can help me:

By supporting my fundraising goal, you have an opportunity in your lifetime to be part of ending this disease. Please consider joining us and help make medical history.