Title: Episode #0072 Parents “Letting Go” as Their Child Becomes Independent with CF
Donna Dorsett, Mom with beautiful daughter with CF shares her feelings on “letting go” as her daughter becomes more independent attending college away from home. As a parent you never let go… you let go physically but not emotionally.
- Donna has 4 children (one with CF), divorced and living in New Jersey.
- “Our family is very close and we do a lot together – family is extremely important” states Donna.
- Kristyn, her daughter, was diagnosed at 18 months and is now attending the University of Scranton.
- When dealing with the ups and downs of cystic fibrosis Donna gets her strength from family.
- “I never limit my daughter due to CF or treat my daughter as being sick” states Donna, “Kristyn is not sick… she gets sick…”
- “My daughter has dreams and goals and therefore I need to let go so she can pursue them…”
- Donna’s advice, “Look beyond the disease… look at your son or daughter… CF cannot be #1 and allow them to live the life that you worked so hard at giving them”

This “LIVING. BREATHING. SUCCEEDING.” Podcast/Vodcast series is the 8th in a series of 12 made possible through and unrestricted educational grant from Genentech to The Boomer Esiason Foundation.

Title: Episode #0071 Exercise-The Key to Being Compliant on a Daily Basis
Gunnar Esiason, 17 years old with cystic fibrosis (CF), high school senior, actively involved in sports, and gearing up for college
- Gunnar was diagnosed at age 2 and resides in Long Island with his family.
- “Growing up with CF is an added burden but being compliant to my therapy and exercise is the key to ” states Gunnar “.
- Currently a senior at Friends Academy, Gunnar is looking at many colleges and universities including: Boston College, Bucknell, and Richmond.
- Gunnar’s favorite sport is hockey… “I am always moving on the ice and the exercise makes me cough which is a great form of airway clearance”, states Gunnar
- “Exercise, along with my daily medication/therapy routine is KEY to keeping me healthy. I skate 45 minutes a day and have 2 games a week”
- Gunnar does not let CF get in the way of him living his life to the fullest… “I do not let CF create obstacles in my life – I make sure it does not!”
- Gunnar’s advice: “Be active everyday! Cheating on your therapy = cheating on yourself… GET OFF THE COUCH & MOVE!”

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

Title: Episode #0070 Succeeding with CF in the Career World Through Compliance with Cris Dopher
Cris Dopher, 37 years old with cystic fibrosis (CF) is enjoying his career in the Fine Arts as a professional set/lighting and window designer for many shows/department stores including Broadway productions. Adhering to his daily therapies, Cris affords himself the opportunity to enjoy the financial awards of a career, run marathons, and socialize in the game of life despite having cystic fibrosis

- Cris grew up in California and Missouri, was diagnosed at age 4 due to “failure to thrive”, and currently resides in New York.
- Cris has always been focused on goals and his first job, at age 16, was typing a book for an author.
- “As long as I can remember I was out there in the working world… I worked at MacDonald’s, was a receptionist for student housing in college, and worked in tent theatre at college for hands on experience”, states Cris
- Cris has 2 bachelors degrees and 2 master’s degrees that include a Masters of Fine Arts from New York University.
- The biggest challenge Cris faces with CF on a daily basis is TIME MANAGEMENT but, according to Cris, “it’s all worth it!”
- “CF is background noise and it does NOT get in my way of living and enjoying my life” states Cris.
- Cris recently ran the ING New York City Marathon in 5 hours and 50 minutes and exercises 5 days/week.
- CBS Evening News recently did a piece on Cris: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/11/18/eveningnews/main4615319.shtml
- Cris’ formula for success: Compliance = Success. Be rigorous about your therapies – without your health you cannot be a good worker and enjoy life!

This “LIVING. BREATHING. SUCCEEDING.” Podcast/Vodcast series is the 7th in a series of 12 made possible through and unrestricted educational grant from Genentech to The Boomer Esiason Foundation.