Ventura Sunset - 2018

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Barbara M. Harison

As the sun set on 2018, I reflected on what a good year it had been. I was in good health for the year with no hospitalizations. Here I am at seventy-two (72) years old and maintaining my active lifestyle: swimming laps, golfing, regular walking and yoga. It is not always easy to be compliant with daily treatments for CF but I am consistent and I am still here. I have had the benefit of Vertex, Kalydeco (Ivacaftor) for three years and what a difference it has made.

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I was healthy enough for a summer trip to the Northeast that included a stop in Boston, MA where we walked the Freedom Trail visiting historic sites along the way. We took a boat tour of the Boston Harbor where we had a view of Vertex Pharmaceuticals Building!

We then headed to Ontario, Canada for a stop at the Harison Family Cottage on Charleston Lake for a few swims in the Lake. 

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Once back in New York we visited my brother and sister in law for a round of golf and then headed to Niagara Falls. In Autumn I enjoyed a gathering with my San Jose State University roommates from 50 years ago. We all enjoyed walking the beaches along the Santa Cruz coast.

As the sun rises on the New Year I remember the Sunrise, Sunset song from the musical, Fiddler on the Roof. The years swiftly fly and I am glad to begin a new year and looking forward to new opportunities and adventures.

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I am also grateful to friends and family for supporting the Loretta Morris Memorial Fund through the CFLF. The LM Fund was established in 2010 shortly after I was diagnosed with CF and I wanted to give back and help others with CF live active lifestyles.

The LM Fund awards Recreation Grants for activities that my sister and I have enjoyed: swimming, golf, dancing, and horseback riding. Sixty (60) donors have supported the Fund raising over $68,000 for Recreation Grants to CF children and adults. 

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In 2018, 26 grants were awarded, and in over eight years, 152 grants have been awarded. Here are comments from recent grant recipients.

Benson “Buster” Age 5 – California –Swimming - “Buster absolutely loves swimming. He has advanced to swimming the length of a saltwater pool independently and working on individual strokes freestyle and backstroke.” Buster’s Mom.

Olivia Age 8- Minnesota –Dance – “If I get a grant this year I can do more dance classes. I like the pretty costumes. I like to get exercise, make new friends and keep my lungs healthy and strong."

Gavin Age 13-California – Swimming -“I want to take lessons to learn how to swim better. Once I learn how to swim properly, improve my speed and stoke and maybe even compete. I know I will be able to swim faster than my older brother.”
 

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As the sun rises you can help others live STRONGER and LONGER!

 

   


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Barbara Morris Harison lives in Ventura, CA and served on the CFLF Board. She was diagnosed with CF at age sixty four (64). She lost a sister to CF forty-seven (47) years ago and established the Loretta Morris Memorial Fund with CFLF in 2010. Barbara is retired after a long career in public parks and recreation administration and management of her own consulting business, Harison & Associates. When she is not swimming laps, beach walking or golfing she volunteers for community organizations.

 

 

 

***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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