2025 Letter

Give Me a Break

Every year, I write one of these letters. And every year, I try to make it hopeful, funny, lighthearted — because that’s who I am and that’s always been my way of dealing with the reality of living with cystic fibrosis (CF). But this year, I’ll be honest: I’m tired. I’m tired of writing these letters. I’m tired of asking for donations. And I’m really tired of using my vacation PTO for hospital/sick days, yes I don’t get sick days!

I live with an invisible disease. CF isn’t just about my lungs — though yes, it mainly affects my lungs and can cause uncontrolled coughing attacks. It’s also about my digestive system, my sinuses, my mental health, my entire daily routine. It’s about being 24 years old and hospitalized twice this past year (really jinxed myself from last year’s letter). And sure, I looked “fine” in the hospital — I went to the hair salon, had my nails done, a fresh self-tan, and new Victoria’s Secret pajamas. But behind all of that was pain, exhaustion, fear, and the reality that no matter how good I look, I don’t always feel good.

People usually don’t see the 25 pills a day, the chest therapy, the coughing fits, and specifically the pain CF has caused me these past few years. CF is relentless. Ironically, my lungs have been healthy because of the “life-saving” drug, Trikafta, but more of the “invisible disease” symptoms are becoming prominent especially in my digestive system.

I’ve managed to live a “normal” life on the outside — graduating college, working full-time, and trying to enjoy my 20s as I’m travelling to Copenhagen, Denmark and Cancun, Mexico this summer! And I’m also going to Coldplay and the Jonas Brothers Concert —hence why vacation PTO is crucial for me lol! I guess that’s where my strength comes in as despite all the challenges and traumatizing hospitalizations this past year, I continue to have a smile on my face and will not give up.

This year marks the 23rd year Deirdre’s Team will walk in the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Great Strides Walk in Wakefield, MA on May 10, 2025.

Over the years, with your help, we’ve raised over $560,000 towards finding a cure. That number is incredible — and it means so much. But the truth is, I don’t want to be fundraising forever. I don’t want to keep writing these letters year after year. I want a cure. I simply want a break.

However, of course I’m still fighting and living life to its fullest. But I’m also asking — with less Deirdre sparkle and more honesty — for your continued support. Whether it’s $5 or $50, your donation helps fund research, develop life-changing drugs, and bring us closer to a world where people like me don’t have to live in pain or let CF control their life.

Love,
Deirdre