2023 Letter
A Bittersweet New Beginning
If there is one thing I have learned these past 22 years, it is that everything happens for a reason and in the most unexpected ways. My dad always says that if his daughters are “safe, healthy, and happy” then he has done his job. I am each of these now, but it will be interesting to see if these will be applicable in 30 years.
When I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic, life-threatening lung disease that also affects my digestive system, the life expectancy was 36 years young. In 30 years, 2053, I will be 52 years old. Dreaming of my life in three decades is scary but also exciting.
CF has taught me to not take life for granted and to live every day to its fullest. To further prove my life’s motto of “I lived,” I studied abroad last spring in Copenhagen, Denmark while traveling to ten countries. Fortunately, thanks to Vertex Pharmaceuticals and their life-saving drug, Trikafta, I am three years hospital free!
Some of my happiest moments are when I am surrounded by friends and family and in those moments, I am smiling, laughing, and not having a care in the world. Happiness is sitting on a beach in Punta Cana with your Providence College (PC) besties at an all-inclusive resort, going to your first Prom, and standing at the top of the Acropolis thanks to Make-A-Wish.
I could not be more grateful and blessed for my support system: my sisters and parents, friends, teachers, neighbors and certainly all my aunts, uncles and all those cousins. I am confident that they will stay by my side and continue to support me for the next 30 years. Having this tight-knit support system and my Friar Family is what has helped me become so successful in and out of school.
I graduated from PC in May 2023 with a BA in Biology and BS in Health Policy & Management. I have a passion for pharmaceuticals and working in the biotech industry in clinical trial development towards life-saving drugs. It’s nerve wracking, for sure, but I think I will have many options in the area.
I am asked often how I remain so strong and have a smile on my face. Living with CF and its many challenges is all I have ever known. Yes, I complain about my dad not turning on our heat or me having to take out the trash, but no, I would never complain about having CF. My focus is on finding a cure.
I do not necessarily have one goal that will allow me to become successful in 30 years. Rather, I know it is the little things such as laughing, spending time with my family, traveling, running the Boston marathon, getting married, and (maybe) working for Vertex that will fulfill my life. I know I will be successful as I am already winning at life and beating CF. Then, fast forward to 2053, and I can say that “I lived”.
Deirdre’s Team participated for the 21st time in the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Great Strides Walk on May6th – we raised more than $26,000 to help find a cure for CF.
Help us find a cure – the treatments are game changers, but they are NOT A CURE.
Thanks for your time, donation and prayers!
Deirdre
