No More Missed Moments
FEBRUARY 20, 2024
Hi! My name is Lauren Anderson, a 22-year-old with a story not just about living with cystic fibrosis (CF), but thriving despite it. As a young woman attending Brock University with dreams of becoming a teacher, I’ve faced more challenges than most. From enduring hospital stays due to lung infections to navigating the complexities of daily treatments, my journey required lots of perseverance!
CF has taught me invaluable lessons about the preciousness of time and the strength that comes from facing adversities head on. Despite the hurdles, I refuse to let CF define me. Instead, it has shaped me into a fighter, passionate about living each moment to its fullest and pursuing my dreams with relentless optimism.
The introduction of Trikafta to my life marked a significant turning point. After a challenging battle with my health the last few years, my family set their sights on gaining access to Trikafta in the fall of 2021. Although we thought we had a supportive employee benefit plan, our drug claim was denied, and subsequent appeals proved unsuccessful. Thankfully, the Ontario government agreed to provide access to eligible Ontarians through a program for which I qualified. On March 30, 2022, I officially started Trikafta!
This groundbreaking treatment improved my physical and mental health and reinforced my hope for the future. However, it hasn’t always been sunshine and rainbows. I don’t want to leave you with the impression that I haven’t had some setbacks along the way. We must remember that Trikafta is not a cure, far from it. Not everyone with CF has access to these life-changing treatments, reminding us of the ongoing need for support, research and advocacy.
Imagine a life where CF no longer calls the shots—where I never have to cancel plans, miss out on social gatherings with friends, skip university classes, or miss out on any experience typical for a young woman like me. That’s the future I envision and strive towards every day. Trikafta has brought me a step closer to that reality, allowing me to live without most of the burdens of CF. It’s proof of the progress we’ve made and a reminder of the journey ahead to ensure everyone with CF can lead full, uninterrupted lives.
My involvement in the Walk To Make Cystic Fibrosis History as the team captain of “Anything is Possible” has been a journey of love, support and community. From organizing fundraising initiatives to creating special memories with friends and family, the Walk is a powerful reminder of the collective strength and hope that brings us closer to the day where people like me can cherish all the wonderful moments life has to offer.
This year, as we gear up for the Walk on Sunday, May 26, I invite you to join me and countless Canadians in our mission to make CF history. Your support means the world to not just me, but thousands of Canadians living with CF. Register now for the Walk and join us in turning my dream of never having to cancel another plan because of CF into reality.
Lauren Anderson