Everybody Fights

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Brian Callanan
Fight banner

Next week the CFLF will hold it’s fourth annual KnockOut CF - Boston event at George Foreman III’s gym, Everybody Fights (formerly named The Club).

In 2015, when I went to see this facility as a potential location for the KnockOut event, I was able to talk with George about the vision and mission of his creation. He passionately described how it does not matter if it is paralysis, diabetes, depression, cystic fibrosis, cancer, anxiety… we ALL have struggles that we must fight against – some more than others. Here, in his gym, is where we fight to push through our challenges together, as a team. The overlap with the CFLF mission was clearly evident, as was the decision to have the event at Everybody Fights

Brian with George Foreman III
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Many people may largely perceive the CFLF as focused on promoting exercise for those of us living with cystic fibrosis. But I continue to realize that the true importance of exercise for me is as a bridge that connects physical well-being with mental well-being. 

Talking with George four years ago helped me realize the importance of fighting together and the communal aggregate strength that creates. With CF having such potential for isolation with infection control policies, it is not uncommon to feel alone in the fight. Tremendous support surrounds many of us who are fortunate to have strong family and friend relationships. But due to infection control, having a deep connection with those who are also living with CF is difficult if not impossible, even for siblings who share the fight of living with CF. But with a team of coaches, doctors and other fighters in our corner, there is all the more reason to NEVER EVER give up!

It is easy to get knocked down by CF, both physically and emotionally. Physically, there are teams of healthcare providers to help us back up and keep fighting. But emotionally it is often more of a struggle to pick yourself back up.

For me, admitting and conceding to emotional pain is much more difficult. It feels like a greater weakness than stopping to rest on my bicycle because my legs are in pain. For me there is shame associated with struggling mentally and emotionally. 

In 2017, I was knocked down physically and emotionally. I wanted to give up as I was run down with fatigue physically, financially, and professionally. It took almost six months to admit that I was dealing with depression again. And, it took about another eight months to pull out of it, which exercise played a huge role in.

In sports, whether it is boxing, swimming, cycling, snowboarding, hiking or any other, the challenge is as much mental focus as it is physical ability. I can only imagine being in a boxing ring and being knocked down, and what it takes to get back up. The physical stamina MUST be there, but without the mental strength, the physical power is just a fraction of what it could be.

For me, it is a lot harder to have the mental and emotional strength if the physical strength is also lacking.  When I am tired without stamina, I am more prone to anxiety and depression. And likewise, when I am at a low emotional point, my body feels drained of energy or strength.

Exercise is what ties the two aspects of well-being together. Being active results in physical strength while also alleviating stress, anxiety and depression. It enables a feeling of accomplishment, and being empowered with a greater sense of control and positive self-esteem. Exercise affects posture, sleep, appetite and endorphins, all of which contribute to physical and mental well-being.

Like everything, exercise exists for me in waves. While I am healthy, my exercise frequency and intensity can be very elevated. During those times it is not just about staying healthy, but is also about building my reserves of stamina, muscle, cardiovascular conditioning, and immune system to sustain me for when I am less active due to work, sickness, travel, etc.

Exercise during times of physical sickness can seem impossible and may feel like it takes the same effort of lifting a car off the ground to get on a bike or a treadmill for 10 minutes. But I find it is so important and helpful to push out of being ‘sick’ to at least being ‘okay’.

When I am struggling more mentally, and am not able to push myself, it also helps to have physical stamina and strength ‘in the bank’ that will help carry me through the tough times.

While I personally don’t like the term “Fighting CF” and prefer to find balance in coexisting optimally WITH CF, survival does require a fight – a concerted effort. George Foremen III is absolutely right: we do ALL fight through the pain and struggles that exist in our lives, great and small, CF and otherwise.


So when supporters come together to KnockOut CF - Boston next week, and again in January for the inaugural KnockOout CF - San Diego, it is not just about knocking CF out physically.

It’s about coming together with those who care, and sharing in our tenacity to face our challenge, whatever it may be. It is about helping and inspiring each other to get up off the mat when we are knocked down, and to keep fighting, whatever the challenge. If you agree, please let your team (family, friends, etc.) in the Boston or San Diego areas know that the chance to stand up and fight together is here, and we want them in the ring with us. 

www.CFLF.org/KOCF-Boston

www.CFLF.org/KOCF-SanDiego

#KnockOutCF
#STROLO
#CFLF
#EveryBodyFights

 

Help Others Live STROnger and LOnger! - #STROLO

                                                                                             


Brian cycling
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Brian Callanan is currently 42-years-old, and was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at birth.  He is the Founder and Executive Director of the CFLF, and practices an active lifestyle primarily through swimming and cycling on and off road, but also enjoys snowboarding, hiking, sailing and rock-climbing. You may email him directly at brian@cflf.org.

 

                            

 

***Views expressed in the CFLF Blog are those of the bloggers themselves and not necessarily of the Cystic Fibrosis Lifestyle Foundation*** 

***Please speak with your physician before making any changes to your CF management***

 

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