August 4, 2008
Andrea Eisenman, 43 years old with cystic fibrosis (CF), post double lung transplant 8 years, and engaged to be married. Andrea is volunteering with CF Roundtable, a newsletter published by adults with CF, and also working on her film project about CF entitled “Nobody Should Know” and LIVING BREATHING SUCCEEDING on a daily basis…
- Andrea was diagnosed with CF at 9 months, grew up in NYC, and studied art at SUNY Purchase
- “Exercise is key going into a transplant so I used to swim in the pool using oxygen as my mother walked along the side of the pool holding the oxygen tank” states Andrea
- Andrea was transplanted at New York Presbyterian in April 25th 2000 and was amazed at what if felt like to take a breath without coughing – “it is beyond comprehension, I never felt this well”.
- “Going into transplant it is extremely important to have a support team – my mom is amazing!” states Andrea
- “Life goes on post transplant and I still have CF but my quality of life is better”
- Andrea competes in the Transplant Games (International Competition for people that have had a transplant) in tennis, biking, running, and swimming.
- Andrea’s advice to others facing a transplant include; investigate good transplant centers, talk to others that had a transplant, exercise, go to support groups, and have a strong support group of family and friends.
- “ I appreciate being alive – it’s a gift…” states Andrea.
This “LIVING. BREATHING. SUCCEEDING.” Podcast/Vodcast series is the 5th of 12 made possible through and unrestricted educational grant from Genentech to The Boomer Esiason Foundation.