56. Transplant Survivor. Pole Vaulter. CF Ambassador. Inspiration. Hero. All of these words have one thing in common: they can be used to describe Jerry Cahill, a man who lives and succeeds in spite of his medical limitations.
Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF) at the age of 11, Jerry’s life was changed irrevocably. Doctors and other medical specialists prepared the Cahill family for the worst-case scenario, but Jerry was not born to a family who accepts defeat. With the support of his parents and siblings, Jerry has not only survived with cystic fibrosis, but has thrived.
After graduating cum laude from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor’s degree in educational psychology while competing in pole vault, Jerry entered into the apparel industry, remaining there for 27 years, eventually becoming the Vice President of Sales for Joseph Abboud Sportswear. In 2004, Jerry made the difficult, but health conscious decision to leave Joseph Abboud and refocus his talents elsewhere.This move led him to us, where we are happy to say he has remained ever since. Staying true to himself, Jerry became a leader at BEF and launched a number of programs that benefit the CF community in the here and now.
Just one year ago on April 18, 2012, Jerry underwent a double-lung transplant surgery, and was back home interacting with the CF community only fifteen days later. Three months after his transplant, Jerry ran in Boomer’s CF Run to Breathe 10K in Central Park with his surgeon. Jerry’s athleticism and commitment to exercise has played and will continue to play an important role in his recovery and his commitment to the CF community. Jerry always says, “I run to breathe. I run to live.”
To learn more about Jerry and all he has done in the past year…
How His Transplant Humbled Him
Running a 10K Three Months Post Transplant: