Living with CF

While having a chronic condition can be a challenge that requires a family to have flexibility and dedication, I believe that the key to living as normal a life as possible, is to not allow the disease to limit the fun we are able to have as a family. Treatments and medications are a priority, but apart from that, we live a pretty normal American life.

A typical day begins and ends with respiratory treatments and medications. There are also all the normal chores and schoolwork that Elena and her siblings have to do. The only special accommodations Elena gets is extra allowance for sleep, which she rarely takes advantage of!

The Avila Tribe

Every two to three months, Elena goes to CF clinic, where she is seen by a team of specialists. At clinic visits she does pulmonary function tests (PFT). If her numbers are down, she may get admitted for a "clean-out," consisting of extra airway clearance and IV antibiotics, to fight infections in her lungs. This requires a little juggling to manage being at the hospital and spending time with the other kids. She's older now, so doesn't need Mommy and Daddy as much, but we visit her every day. There is always a steady stream of friends that visit her, too.

Our Elena is a very normal young lady, currently working long hours at a restaurant and saving lots of money while she thinks about what her next steps will be. Like lots of people her age, she isn't quite certain yet what she wants to study in college, but knows that she wants to attend at some point. With lots of siblings, she is never bored around here!