Meet Molly: A Cystic Fibrosis Warrior

Molly is our only child and with in days of her birth she was having eye surgery in both eyes to correct congenital cataracts. She had both lenses removed and had to wear contacts as a tiny baby. She had glasses as well that did the same thing as her contacts but only would wear them at home due to the large thick lenses. We called them her "big eyes" as they magnified her eyes so much. Kids can be so unkind to anyone who is different so we made sure that Molly was comfortable and happy with her contacts and glasses. She didn't go to daycare, so my husband would take her with him to work and she was always pleasant and happy. 

Our families all live far away so Molly grew up not really knowing her extended family. Her world was her father and I, and that seemed to be just fine to her. Even as a little girl she was so tiny and frail, but full of energy. Constant bowel issues, not wanting to eat, and always coughing. We would take her to doctors and they would treat the symptoms and she would get better. It was a cycle, but we didn't really question anything.

 Molly would always keep her attitude up and would work through her daily challenges. She has a sweetness empathy that is so unique and to her. She never met a stranger, only friends. 

School however, was a challenge for her as Molly suffers from learning disabilities and ADD. She was in speech programs and had to take PT and OT therapy to catch up on her delays. She worked hard to keep her grades up and to keep up with her peers. Although she loved to play, she struggled with hand eye-coordination and had a hard time with physical activity. We would tell ourselves that she was just a "late bloomer" and she would be fine once she got older and stronger.

Once Molly entered middle and high school she struggled more with her health, she had a nagging cough that would just come and go. She was always tired, didn't want to eat seemed so frail. She had lens implants at 15 for her eyes and she is able to see without the need for special glasses and contacts. She wears reading glasses and is able to drive a car, something we never thought she could do. 

After high school her illnesses seemed to get worse. She was wanting to stay home and sleep, coughing day and night and getting so weak. My husband took her to the doctor...again..hoping to get some answers.

We were lucky that for a short time there was a doctor visiting who had her take some x-rays. He told us that she had CF and we were shocked! She was 19!! How could this have gone on so long and we never knew?

 My husband and I felt terrible guilt. We had been so focused on her eyes and her learning issues that we never thought this could happen. 

Once again it was Molly who took the lead. She said she was glad to know now she could get help. I am amazed at her resilience and positivist attitude! So we started the regimen of breathing treatments, and medications and she has been responding well. She is healthy and has color to her face and she is looking towards a future. 

With all she has been through I am so proud of Molly. She is a wonderful young women and daughter and I am so excited to see what the future holds for her. She will still struggle with her health and her learning disabilities but she has a FUTURE now...and that is the most important thing!