I was 21 when I received my first grant from the CFLF, and it simply changed the outcome of my life. In my younger years I suffered from the mental hardships that cystic fibrosis patients are known to endure. I was lost and felt like I had no calling in life except to be sick. It was a terrible way to live. But one day I decided to take a chance and attend a yoga class, and EVERYTHING clicked. I knew in that moment that I had to dedicate my life to a breath-based practice and to learn how to breathe and to find meaning in the chaos. 

The problem was I simply couldn’t afford a membership because I was constantly missing work and still had bills to pay. That’s when the CFLF stepped in and payed for a YEAR of classes. I’ll never forget the excitement knowing that I could truly steep myself in the practice and see what happened.

My life transformed before my eyes. I was beginning to remember that there is always hope, connection and love is the answer and that my lungs WEREN’T broken. Over that year I became empowered, I built relationships that turned into a family, I cried on my mat in ways I never allowed myself before. My health began to improve, and I decided to take the next leap into my yoga journey and sign up for a yoga teacher training. After my year expired at the studio, I was able to afford my own membership but the CFLF came through AGAIN and helped pay for my yoga training.

My 200-hour yoga training was hands-down one of the most transformative times of my life. I met with 30 people for about 8 consecutive weekends, practicing yoga all day. On the first day of training my teacher asked me why I had signed up for the training, and let’s just say I ugly cried… I was so overwhelmed with the opportunity that I had, but I also dealt with a lot of trauma from being chronically sick. Through this training I was able to find myself, and I was given the tools to help see through the delusions that I created in my own mind. My lung function went up about 50% (I’m not even kidding!!) and I absolutely knew that yoga was saving my life.

You think after completing my yoga training I might have been satisfied, but I’m a go big or go home kind of gal. 

So, I decided to sign up for a 500-hour training! And, yes – the CFLF helped pay for that one too. Choosing yoga as a lifestyle and a career hasn’t been easy, it’s kind of hard to teach something about breathing and moving when your health declines. And there have been times that I had to miss training, get subs for my classes, but because of the CFLF I was able to afford these trainings that changed my life. I am so fulfilled, because I know that I am helping others learn how to feel at home in their bodies because I often struggle with that. I have never hid my struggles from my peers or my students, and I teach from the place of being okay with not being okay. Because of all of these trainings I was introduced to a new way of life as well, I am now very mindful about how I expend my energy, what I eat, how I speak… the list goes on. And all of these practices have made me a better person.

Because of yoga, and the CFLF I am whole. Technically, I was always whole – but I just needed to find a way to FEEL whole. I am now 29 years old and working towards my 1008 certification. I no longer need assistance from the CFLF, instead I try to give back to them as much as possible because I am enterally grateful for everything they have done for me. They are saving peoples lives by granting them the gift of physical health. It is SO important for people with cystic fibrosis to find something they are passionate about and to MOVE THEIR BODIES. So please, if you can, donate to this non-profit because every single dollar makes a difference. You might just end up saving a life in the most unexpected way.

 

Help Others Live STRONGER and LONGER-

 

 

Ashlee is 29 years old and lives in Reno, Nevada and is a past Grant Recipient of multiple CFLF Recreation Grants. She is a yoga teacher and enjoys spreading knowledge on health and wellness. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to reach out to her at ashleecmcdougall@gmail.com