Last Tuesday, I was honored to be asked to speak in front of a group supporting research during the “Spotlight on Lung Research and Care” at the University of Minnesota. I was able to share how lucky I am to live in Minnesota and the tremendous health care that I have received throughout the years. Minnesota has always been a place where people with cystic fibrosis could expect to be above average. I am living proof of that!

Also last week, there was some VERY EXCITING news for some cystic fibrosis patients. This is a remarkable breakthrough for the disease. Here is one of the articles: Vertex cystic fibrosis treatment.

This combination of medications could help CF patients with the same genetic mutation that I have. While I wouldn’t be able to take the medication because I have healthy new lungs, it’s encouraging to know that a large segment of the CF population can be helped. Thank you to everyone who has donated to the CF Foundation over the years. The foundation was instrumental in aiding this research which gets us one step closer to finding a cure for CF.

Lately, I have also been able to see friends that I have not seen in a very long time. I met with my girlfriend Tammy and had dinner at her house. I drove to Red Wing and was able to see Nicole and her family, and also celebrated our friend Brenda’s 40th Birthday. I had not seen any of their husbands or kids since my surgery. It has been great to feel energetic enough to see everyone.

Nicole & me in Red Wing

I want to inform you, I will be starting “Wordless Wednesday” tomorrow! Every Wednesday, I will post a picture, no words. It may be a nature photo, a picture you may have to guess what it is, or let’s face it, most of them will probably be our adorable puppy, Honey 🙂

Health update: Except for the one incident when Travis was in Vegas for work, I have been feeling pretty good. My blood pressure inexplicably elevated one evening and it warranted an ambulance visit. A half dozen handsome first responders were in the house. Miraculously, my vitals returned to normal and I was able to avoid a trip to the Emergency Room. Honey has been enjoying the daily walks I take her on, even if it’s raining. I saw my ENT today, I have a little junk in my sinuses again. We brought up the fact that I still need sinus surgery at some point. Since I had so many procedures last summer with my blood clot in my shoulder, she remarked last November we would discuss it in a year. She said as long as my symptoms are not much worse, we will address the issue in another 6 months.