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Lost the battle

Today, Leslie lost her battle to Cystic Fibrosis after attempting to receive a double-lung transplant. Leslie was a family friend who grew up three houses down the street from my mom and was closely connected to both my mom's and dad's families. She battled for her life for 51 years and exceeded expectations of a normal CF life expectancy for a girl born in the 1960s.

I never knew Leslie, thanks to cross contamination issues (CF patients really shouldn't be in close contact with others because we can pass bacteria easily from one CFer to another). However, even with my limited knowledge about her, I looked up to her so much. When the doctors and nurses told me that a normal CF life expectancy was in the mid 30s, I felt comforted that Leslie continued to live a vibrant life. It's one thing to be told that you can live with CF, conquering the challenges it constantly presents. It's another thing to really know that anything is possible, including living with CF without limitations. I knew I could fight CF because Leslie was fighting alongside me. It sounds kind of silly, but Leslie's long battle gave me strength to fight my CF.

My aunt posted this facebook status as a tribute to Leslie's life. "Praying for the family of Leslie who lost her battle with Cystic Fibrosis today. Praying for God's peace and comfort as you mourn and move on with life. Leslie was a great warrior who knew how to LIVE!" Please pray with me for Leslie's family and friends as they mourn her loss after a valiant fight with CF. And even amid the heartache, know that Leslie is now joyously praising her Lord and Savior.


We need to fight against CF so that people do not have to experience the death of a loved one to such an awful disease, like Leslie's friends and family. I cannot wait for the day to be free from CF!! I'm praying for a cure to come quickly, and I hope you are, as well.

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