Jessica's favorite physical activity is field hockey. She plays for her local high school and really enjoys what she does, especially with the support from her teammates at school. The gym will be her alternative when she is in off season from playing the sport she loves in the cold winters. Jessica understands the importance of living stronger and longer, thus the importance of this gym membership. "I try my best to stay active and if I am able to go to the gym and do runs, I will be the healthiest I can be, and continue a healthy lifestyle."
Lacrosse is David's favorite sport because it's fun, and he has lots of friends on his team. He has found that it helps him breathe easier from all the running that he does when he's playing. He has also noticed that it helps him socialize and raise his confidence. David hopes to play some day in college.
After a recent hospital stay, Jenna worked with a physical therapist, who for the first time for her was familiar with CF. She realized after 2 weeks of therapy, how exercise impacts her physically and mentally; she fell in love with working out. Living in harsh weather conditions, the gym allows Jenna to work out throughout the year without depending or worrying about the climate. "My breathing improved greatly with High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workouts, and the airway clearance it provides helps me cough much less.
Alexander's favorite activity is swimming because of the feeling of the water on his arms and legs. He also loves the fresh smell of the water. It also helps him strengthen his lungs and makes him stronger. He also likes that when you're underwater in the sea you get to see all the life around you.
Yoga has changed Ashlee's life since she started doing it. It has helped her to not only manage her stress, but also it helps her breathing tremendously. She can feel herself getting healthier and stronger every time she does yoga. She works hard to stay healthy so she can continue her yoga practice as often as possible. She is training to be a yoga teacher and hopes to show others with CF the importance of yoga.
Michael's favorite activity is by far swimming. He was a competitive swimmer for 10 years and felt the healthiest when he was swimming regularly. Michael's lung function scores were also the highest when he swam, and he knows that it's the reason why he's so healthy today. "There is no doubt that swimming, a sport that revolves around breathing, can and will help any person with cystic fibrosis."
Yoga and the elliptical machine are Annika's favorite physical activity. This grant will help relieve stress and make her feel better about herself. She works out with her neighbor and close friend who, together, motivate each other and consider doing a 5k together soon.
"Five letters spell what I love to do, Dance." Dancing has become a very big part of Bree's life over the past 3 years. Dance has helped her build stamina and strength. It gives her an alternate way to do her lung clearance. This grant not only releases financial burden for her mother, but allows Bree to continue to do what she loves. "Dancing gives me a mental release; there are no walls or roadblocks when I hit the dance floor; I am free when I dance."
Sam's favorite activity is weightlifting. He used his grant to get a gym membership because he wants to get stronger, build more muscle and stay healthy. He knows cardio training along with weight training will help clear his lungs out.Sam also enjoys riding his bike and playing with his dog.
Corey loves to play soccer, not only because it is fun but also because it is good exercise. He knows that playing regularly helps his lungs stay healthy. Playing in high school for a soccer club allows him to play year round, which helps his CF. "Playing soccer helps me forget about having cystic fibrosis. I feel like every other kid when I am playing in an exciting soccer game. Soccer works my body and my mind." Corey used his grant to pay for his soccer team fees.
