"I try to reassure everyone who has been affected by this disease that CF isn't the end of the world if you don't want it to be."
The experience of living with cystic fibrosis is markedly different today than it was decades ago. Thanks to the discovery of the CF gene, the availability of effective drug therapies and advances in technology, the 30,000 Americans who deal with the disease day in and day out are living longer and fuller lives. In a word, they are thriving.
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Ryan Nickson

Ryan's Story: Trying to Live a Normal Life

I am an extremely private person, and for most of my life, I kept my cystic fibrosis diagnosis a secret because I did not want my friends to treat me differently. I was sneaky about taking my medications, and if seen, I would tell friends they simply aided digestion or even throw them away. In my youth, I did not fully understand how important my medication was.

In spite of CF, I have generally lived a normal life. I played soccer, cross country, and track during high school, and have continued running and began playing hockey. My proudest athletic moment was in 1999, when I placed fourth in Division 1 Ohio 4x800 meter relay at 7:55.6 – which is still a school record! As I get older, I have to work harder and harder to stay active, but I am determined to stay healthy.

Ryan on Becoming a Parent

My wife and I recently became the parents of healthy, beautiful twins, a boy and a girl, after a difficult series of genetic tests and a testicular harvest. They were born at 32 weeks and 4 days. We are excited for our focus to shift to the kids and for our family to grow by two.

Even though I am still very private and do not tell many people about my CF, I am happy to share my story and hope it can positively affect at least one person’s hope of having children.

Things I Love: Running, cars, hockey and making improvements around the house
Favorite Color: Green
Favorite Food: Chinese
Favorite TV Shows: Burn Notice and Psych
Favorite Sport: Football
Dream Vacation: Somewhere warm and beachy
One Word to Describe Me: Competitive
Advice to People With CF: I would encourage them to never give themselves excuses and to push themselves every day