Hi, I’m Carly, your typical young teenage girl who loves hanging out with friends, bonfires at the beach, exploring new music and paving my own way in the world.

I was born April 13, 1995 in Orange County, Ca. and was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis just three months later. It seemed like a good time to be diagnosed because the gene had been identified shortly before and there was a lot of hoopla about a cure coming soon. Still, the doctors warned it could be a good ten years away. It’s been 14 years now and my family and I anxiously await those precious words: Cure Found.

Until then, I try to work diligently to keep myself in the best possible shape. I have a daily regimen that includes handfuls of medications, vitamins, digestive enzymes, and more, a minimum of four times a day. I do between 3-5 breathing treatments (antibiotics and mucus thinners) each day and chest physio therapy to help keep my lungs clear. When I have an exacerbation I go on three weeks of IV’s that is done at home in order to keep my life as “normal” as possible. I am highly motivated to manage my own care and have done my own IV’s for the past three courses, complete from beginning to end!

A few years ago, I tried an inhalation called Hypertonic Saline, which mimics the salty ocean. I have been taking this drug ever since, and it has made overall positive effects. I’m glad that Hypertonic Saline provides me with that clear, post-surfing feeling, but face it, there’s nothing like the feeling of catching a wave and “soaring” through the air. Unfortunately, although I live in SoCal, I don’t get down to the beach as often as I’d like.

Although CF is a time consuming and stressful condition, I don’t feel as though it is a punishment. Instead, I feel blessed that CF has given me new opportunities to realize the value of life. I am also glad that cystic fibrosis has taught me to be more responsible. This quality makes me feel more secure about my future life as an adult.

Besides my health, I live a pretty average teenage life. I am a freshman in high school, and take honors level classes. When I am not at school or doing my homework, I can be found with my friends, playing guitar, listening to music or just hanging.  
My passions include guitar (which I am slowly improving at), surfing (which I am also slowly mastering), and music in general. My greatest inspirations are my mom, John Mayer, and all adults living with CF. When I graduate high school, I plan to take premed at a UC (possibly Santa Cruz) and I want to pursue a career as a cardiologist. But for now, I am going to live, laugh, and thrive with CF.