Title: Episode #0074 Pre-Transplant – Gearing Up for New Beginnings…
Jerry Cahill, 52 years old, Living Breathing Succeeding with cystic fibrosis talks about being listed for a double lung transplant. Exercise has been a key factor in his life to keep his lungs clear and continues to be important pre-transplant.
- Jerry grew up in Brooklyn, NY. Attended the University of Connecticut, competed in track & field specializing in the pole vault, worked in the apparel industry for 26 years, coach’s track & field, and currently volunteers at the Boomer Esiason Foundation as he awaits a double lung transplant.
- “Maintaining a positive attitude and being involved with people and events is key as I await the call…” states Jerry
- “As my disease progresses due to shortness of breath and my quality of life deteriorates it is time to move on to the next step – transplant…” Jerry believes.
- Jerry believes that he has been preparing for a transplant his whole life, as it is just another part of the battle with CF… “With CF you always need to be prepared and RE-INVENT yourself!”
- Jerry’s advice… “Stay active and involved, have a great TEAM of doctors that you believe in, have a great support team of family & friends, FUNDRAISE, and gear up for NEW BEGINNINGS as the best is yet to come…”

This “LIVING. BREATHING. SUCCEEDING.” Podcast/Vodcast series is the 9th in a series of 12 made possible through and unrestricted educational grant from Genentech to The Boomer Esiason Foundation.

Title: Episode #0073 Better Living Through Nutrition – Power Up the Body
Gunnar Esiason, 17 years old with cystic fibrosis (CF), high school senior, actively involved in sports, being compliant, and gearing up for college
- Gunnar was diagnosed at age 2 and resides in Long Island with his family.
- “CF has obviously shaped my life but I am fortunate to have a great family and friends” states Gunnar.
- Gunnar loves to eat and some of his favorite foods include steak, pizza, hamburgers, shrimp, and carrots.
- “I take my enzymes with snacks and meals so my body can absorb all the nutrients from my foods and help me to gain weight. Also if I don’t take my enzymes I will get stomach aches and that is very uncomfortable” states Gunnar.
- Gunnar keeps his enzymes in a pillbox and always carries them in his pocket or backpack.
- “I usually try and have 4 meals a day and snacks between meals and make sure that I have a lot of OPTIONS with my food choices. I also make milkshakes to get extra calories”. States Gunnar
- Gunnar’s advice to others with CF on nutrition… “Take your enzymes to help you stay healthy and keep your weight on and be energetic”.
- “My long term hopes and dreams are to live a long and full healthy life and play sports till I am 60” states Gunnar.

This podcast was made possible through and unrestricted educational grant from EURAND to The Boomer Esiason Foundation.