My name is Mikaela, and I am a cystic fibrosis fighter! I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when I was 15 years old. Before that, while growing up I was persistently sick having pneumonia or bronchitis at least once a year. Once I was diagnosed with CF I started several new medications, got a feeding tube, and encountered my share of health problems.
I have had so many exacerbations throughout my lifetime - some bringing me to my lowest lows. In 2019, Trikafta was approved by the FDA and I was able to start this BRAND NEW life changing medication, which unfortunately is not a medication for every CF patient.
In April 2020 I found out that my husband and I were expecting our first child. Without Trikafta, I wouldn't have been able to have such a healthy pregnancy. I delivered my baby girl, naturally, something I I never believed would be posisble.
Since giving birth, I was able to breastfeed my daughter & maintain my weight & healthy lung function. 6 months after birth I was able to remove my feeding tube & continue to maintain my weight. In December I gained 5 pounds without the help of supplements which was a HUGE accomplishment for me.
In April 2023 I was able to have my port-a-catch removed since I have not used it in over 3 years. I now have no medical devices in my body to maintain my health which is a huge huge deal.
We found out that we are expecting our second child in August 2024, and we are prepared for a child who has a 50% chance of having CF.
I fight for myself. I fight for the future generations. AND - I fight for those that we lost too soon.
Help me fight to end cystic fibrosis, UNTIL ITS DONE.
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IMPORTANT NOTE ON ATTENDANCE AT FOUNDATION EVENTS:
Updated July 5th, 2023
The CF Foundation is committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of individuals attending Foundation events. Individuals attending CF Foundation events must abide by the Foundation's Event Attendance Policy www.cff.org/attendancepolicy, which includes guidance for event attendees living with cystic fibrosis.