salty cf
What is CF ?
I was born with a Chronic Genetic lung condition, Cystic Fibrosis. Cystic Fibrosis or CF: is a condition where the body produces an excess of thick sticky mucus that attach primarily to the lungs and requires rigorous daily respiratory therapy to eradicate most of the mucus build up. Not only does the mucus affect the lungs but other vital organs as well: liver, kidneys, the digestive tract is another major system affected, making it difficult to gain weight. The body doesn’t retain nutrients or fat from food on it’s own, to do so require medications. So there’s that. I’m a bit wary a times about mentioning this part of my life as I don’t want it to define who I am, but it is a part of my life.
the salty girls
In May of 2015 I became involved with THE SALTY GIRLS, a group founded by photographer Ian Pettigrew to highlight the challenges and strength of women with Cystic Fibrosis compiled into a book of inspirational stories from these women and myself. It took a lot of back and forth conversations about whether or not to expose myself to the world like this. Private by nature, it’s always been helpful to me that CF isn’t an obvious physical condition. It was easy for me to hide and pretend to not be a CF patient, not hear pity or woe concerning my health. No one wants to hear that, you feel sorry for them at least I didn’t. So, doing Salty Girls for me meant, that might happen, that people would rally around me as the, ‘sick girl’, their ‘sick friend.’ Needless to say, that was all in my head. I was met with so much admiration and words complimenting my strength. It was empowering as I hadn't really conceptualized. I knew people thought I was strong, but hearing it was different, it was good, it felt great.
THE SALTY GIRLS project has been so successfull that it has expanded from the Books and Calendars to a magazine. if you'd like to support please visit the website and subscribe, or buy a book.
+IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CYSTIC FIBROSIS, DONATE OR SUPPORT, VISIT THE SITES BELOW.
“I CAN’T DEPEND ON ANYONE TO ACCEPT ME, I HAVE TO ACCEPT MYSELF.”
PHOTOS BY IAN PETTIGREW