<   No one ever said life was going to be easy.            At least, that's what I tell people when they ask me in an overly-concerned voice, "How do you do it?" By "it" they mean, "continue living a normal life despite having Cystic Fibrosis." As if there was a desirable alternative...          I was diagnosed with CF when I was 3 months old. No one in my family (extended and otherwise) had even heard of CF, let alone been diagnosed with it. I think my parents made a conscious decision then and there to raise me as a "normal" kid-no special treatment and no unnecessary limitations.          So, here I am, almost 23 years later, a college graduate and a productive member of society. I made it through my degree program at the University of Georgia in 3 years and maintained a 4.0 GPA the whole time, despite going to classes with pneumonia, pic lines in my arm, and a number of other annoying everyday problems. I had a great time in college; I spent many a weekend at the local downtown bars, inhaling too much second hand smoke with the rest of humanity (I'm not trying to promote this behavior; this is just how I chose to spend my time).          My friends and my family are all here in Athens; I haven't lived at home since I left for school almost 5 years ago, but my family is close enough that when there's a problem, they are here for me. I DO recommend this strategy-it affords you the independence that you need but allows for an emergency back-up system, so to speak). This is partly the reason I was so ecstatic when I found out in 1996 that I had received the Dana Walters Scholarship. I knew the $1000 scholarship would help cover my books and all of my academic costs and the money I would save could be used towards getting an apartment. It may not seem like a big deal to the rest of the world (it's almost a given nowadays that if you go to school, you live in a dorm, etc.), but for me, knowing that my parents would be relieved of some of their financial burden was a huge relief. As a CF adolescent, you tend to be very aware of the costs of your illness, and no matter how hard you try to repress it, a certain sense of guilt will always be present in your subconscious.          As I said earlier, I have spent most of my life striving to be a positive person with hopes and dreams like the rest of humanity. Unfortunately, as I've gotten older, this has become a tad more difficult. I was fortunate enough to find a job in an understanding environment; I work at the University's Department of Disability Services where they deal with disability-related problems on a daily basis. The people that I see coming through our doors are an inspiration to me-I honestly feel that no matter what your circumstances, in today's world you can make it.          I am currently struggling with my health a little more than I would like. In October, I had my first evaluation for a lung transplant at UNC Chapel Hill. I finally found out two weeks ago that I had "passed my tests" and made it on the list. I can only be honest here and say the whole thing is a little scary, but I know with the support of my friends and family, I can make it through anything.          This page is only the beginning of my story; I have so many other things to say about my life-from daily trials and triumphs to the big milestones in my history on this planet. If you are interested in reading more about living with CF as an adult, visit my website (will list address upon completion-till then its "under construction") or email me at: susydirr@hotmail.com. I'd be interested to hear how each of you manage to do "it"-and how we can all work towards a future where this problem of CF isn't a problem anymore.   *The following information was taken from the literature of LifeLink of Georgia. For more information, call 1-800-544-6667 or visit their website at www.lifelinkfound.org. It is impossible to discuss the Cystic Fibrosis community without a brief overview of the importance of organ donation. At some point in their lives, many CF patients will have to face the frightening realities of organ transplantation. It is a scary moment for anyone when the issue is first brought up by their physician, but eventually the shock wears off. Luckily, there are a number of support systems available to ease a patients' worries and fears. Currently there are more than 800 patients awaiting organ transplants in the state of Georgia-67,000 nation-wide. Within the CF community, the most needed organ transplants are lungs and livers. Unfortunately, the organs CF patients need the most are the most difficult to transplant. Scarcity is a huge problem for the national campaign to transplant organs. Nine people a day die waiting for an organ transplant. Only 9,9l3 people donated their organs in 1998. These generous individuals saved countless lives, however, due to the fact that one organ and tissue donor can potentially benefit 60 or more people. A nationwide movement to promote organ donation and increase awareness among the general public has already begun. It still needs your help, however. Every person can do their part, whether they choose to volunteer with an organization such as LifeLink or by simply talking to your family and friends about the facts of organ donation. If you think organ donation will never be your problem, think again. Everyday, life saving transplants are taking place across the country. Thousands more are waiting in local and state hospitals for a second chance at life. Take the first step in this ongoing battle and sign your own donor card today.   | Home | | Mom's Page | | Whale Pins | | Internship Program | | Scholarship Application | | Susys Page |   Back to top of Page