July 26, 2010
Danny Ferrone, a 26-year-old with cystic fibrosis, lives in Illinois and competes in triathlons. Danny is going to school to be a fitness instructor; he also is the founder of the Fight Forever Foundation.
- Danny grew up playing baseball, soccer, football, BMX biking and basketball. “My parents believed in keeping me active,” he says. “I returned to school to be a fitness instructor so I can do what I love in life and stay healthy.”
- Besides vigorous exercise, Danny believes in good nutrition as part of his programs to stay healthy. “I eat a lot of fish, pasta, fruit, veggies, and try and stay away from dairy,” he explains.
- Danny likes variety in exercise training, so he has added swimming, yoga and boxing (mixed martial arts) to his training routine. Danny has competed in four marathons (best time: 4hours, 18minutes) and four triathlons, including a Half Ironman.
- The biggest challenge Danny faces related to exercising and CF is dehydration, but his secret is a lot of water, electrolytes and drinking salt water.
- “Exercising with CF can be uncomfortable, but throw yourself into it and be HONEST with yourself … you will feel better,” he says.
- Danny’s recommendation to others with CF: “Challenge yourself, keep pushing, and remember you are not alone – fight hard.”
This “LIVING. BREATHING. SUCCEEDING.” Podcast/Vodcast series is the 12th in a series of 12 made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Genentech to the Boomer Esiason Foundation.