Running For My Life--Sophie's Story

“Failure to Thrive" were the words written on my medical document as the reason to receive

diagnostic testing for Cystic Fibrosis.

I was one year old at the time and could not imagine the rollercoaster this disease would take

me on throughout the trajectory of my life. The mindset of my CF Team, family, and eventually

myself once I was able to fully comprehend the severity of the illness was to simply prevent

progression.

With the best efforts possible, I was able to confront cystic fibrosis head-on and gain strength

and hope from the baby victories. With every hospitalization, exacerbation, and infection, I made

a point to remain optimistic and grateful for the health I had.

In 2019, I was fortunate to start a genetically modifying drug called Trikafta. For the first time in

my life, I saw a positive trajectory in my health. My cough disappeared, my hospitalizations

decreased, and my energy skyrocketed. I never knew what being healthy felt like until this point.

There were moments in my illness when I promised myself that if the opportunity ever arose to

take my life back, I would not hesitate to act. With this newfound feeling of health, I threw myself

into my body’s abilities and took up a new hobby: running.

I started slowly, knowing the scarring in my lungs would prevent any immediate success.

Gradually, breathing became easier and my distance lengthened. I found inspiration in my

father who completed the Abbott Six World Marathon Majors in my honor, and signed up for my

first half marathon.

I was able to train and complete the LifeTime Chicago Half Marathon in September with my dad

by my side, beating my goal time in the process.

I was able to surpass the limitations that used to hinder me and discover the joy of taking my

life back. By refusing to let my cystic fibrosis diagnosis impede me, I have made an entirely new

definition of “running for my life” and can happily say I no longer meet the requirements of

“Failure to Thrive”.