In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart. – Anne Frank.

Thursday I had the honor of attending the CFLF event KnockOutCF in Boston. The event took place at Everybody Fights, a gym dedicated to strength training, boxing, and pushing your limits. Never having attended the event before, I didn’t know what to expect. It was a bit daunting to think about immersing myself in a crowd of people working out in a gym. That’s not usually how I roll these days…

Before transplant I considered myself a germaphobe, however, my consciousness has grown exponentially on the other side. Fifteen months after my double lung transplant, I still put myself in a metaphorical and sometimes literal bubble when delving into public places. 

Masking up, sanitizing, and avoiding those with a cold are just a few precautions. Protecting my new airbags has been my biggest feat to date. Oddly enough, my awareness of germs magnified after getting new lungs. So throwing myself into that situation took an ounce of courage that I didn’t know I possessed. That was step one.

Step two…with the added layer of security I’ve built around myself, sometimes I avoid people. Not because there’s one iota of shyness in my being, but more the fear of catching something… knowing that an illness could take me out. And those same illnesses have buried my closest friends, further confirming my anxiety around crowds.

With that being said, I decided to throw myself into this event full force. The young, hip kids say: YOLO (You Only Live Once). With new lungs and new life, I’ve adopted the tagline: YOLT (You Only Live Twice). This just gives me permission to take calculated risks and go all in on them which better suits my personality.

I had spoken with a few key members of Vertex beforehand. They were kind enough to set up a conference call to go over the logistics of how the night would go; preparing me for what the itinerary would be like. It was preordained that I would give a speech at the beginning of the event, in place of our founder, Brian, who unfortunately couldn’t make it.

In these situations, it’s easier to clam up…refusing to allow the limelight to be focused on me. In those moments, I take a step back, a deep breath (because I can do that now), and assess the situation. I remind myself, that it’s not about me. 

Representing myself and the organization in a way that reflects the heart of our mission is what’s important; to be a light in the community where darkness often resides. To show those with CF how to live stronger, longer lives in the face of struggle. And to recognize and acknowledge everyone with dignity, treating them as a whole person with physical & mental/emotional struggles, providing coping strategies to build them up. Which is exactly what the vision of the CFLF holds.

The energy bouncing around the room was contagious. I fed off of the excitement in the eyes of those who attended, the sunshine in their smiles, and the enthusiasm in their voices. To know that this group of people showed up to support those with my disease and the many others… is extraordinary. They chose to attend on snowy Boston roads, away from their loved ones, and sacrifice their time to be there. Their voluntary willingness to partake left me in awe.

Engaging in conversations after the event with the attendees was my favorite. Especially after my butt was kicked at the intense workout session! LOL! I saw hashtags for the event after, that were fitting: #hurtssogood #sweatitout #workhardplayhard *just to name a few. Confirmed. Everything hurts. But it was a great way to light a fire and motivate me to get stronger again. Thank you, Everybody Fights.

Yes, talking to people is one of my favorite pastimes. Hearing different perspectives, learning people’s stories, and seeing a snapshot into their world is a gift. Two key pharmaceutical companies came out to support us that night: Vertex & Proteostasis Therapeutics Inc Biotech. PTI Biotech asked to take a picture with me, having been moved by my story. 

Chatting with Vertex about future visits and collaborations was exhilarating. These two companies had one major thing in common: those that work for each company are all heart. They are of a different caliber of people. It was evident that this isn’t just a job to them, they are in it because they genuinely care about those with CF and are working towards the same goal as we are: keeping CFers healthy until a cure is found.

The kindness of strangers never fails to amaze me. With Thanksgiving coming up, it serves as a time to intentionally reflect on what we are grateful for. It’s always been a reminder of how blessed I am and have been in every area of my life.

Just about every day, I get to witness the kindness of a stranger. 

Whether first hand, through loved ones experiences, or of the stories that are spread every now & then…it’s everywhere if we are looking for it.

Fifteen months ago, I received the ultimate act of kindness from someone that I have never met nor ever will. This person decided to give the gift of their organs in the moment of tragedy. And because of this, my life was saved. If not for their check yes, I wouldn’t be here. I am humbled by that reality to say the least.

We see what we want to when we are looking for it. If you want to believe that the world is all horror, hatred, and negativity; you will find evidence to support that. Additionally, if you choose to believe in the goodness of humanity, that there is still love in this world, and that positivity is a thing…then you will surely find it. I see it everywhere. And I refuse to let the actions of some dictate the actions of all. A wise one once said: Be the change you wish to see in the world (Mahatma Gandhi). You never know who is watching you, waiting for you to step up, or looking for a sign to restore faith in humanity. It all starts with an act of kindness to create a ripple effect. Will you join me?!

 

Help Others Live STRONGER and LONGER-

 

 

Lara is 31 years young and resides in Vermont. She has Cystic Fibrosis and received a double lung transplant in August 2017. A beacon of light for the existence of miracles; Lara enjoys adventures, nature, and belly laughs with her loves. She believes Jesus walks and pants are the devil. Passionate about spreading encouragement, she always lends an ear to those in need.
Follow Lara’s blog on her website: www.laragovendo.com or connect with her on Facebook & Instagram: Lungs4Lovey.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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