My Momma

This blog is for my Momma.

She is a woman like no other and has more energy then anyone I know. She has been the President of the Campbell River Cystic Fibrosis Chapter, the President of Cystic Fibrosis Canada, she’s travelled the world to different CF conferences. She, with the help of her husband and a few incredible friends, founded the Campbell River CF Chapter from the ground up. This chapter is in the top 10 in Canada for fundraising per capita and is now one of THE most successful chapters. Not only has she contributed to a CF Chapter that has raised millions of dollars over the past 27 years, she has also been an advocate for children and adults with CF in so many ways.  A few years ago, she was involved with lobbying politicians to implement newborn screening for CF – and now every baby born in BC is screened for CF at birth. This woman has done and continues to do more for CF than I could ever imagine. She was even the one who pushed our family doctor to have me tested for CF when I was only 16 months old. 

She and my Dad did my physiotherapy every single day, twice a day. NO skipping. It didn’t matter if we were in the middle of a ferry line up, camping in the woods, or if I was in the middle of some serious play time with friends. They always put my health above their needs while making sure my two older sisters got much needed attention and kept them involved and included in my health. I always say I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am today without my family, and every time, I truly mean it. It’s because of the strong foundation that my parents instilled in me that I have the strength to face CF every single day.

When I’m sick and on IV antibiotics, she helps me in any way she can from cleaning, laundry and cooking, to just spending time with me to keep my spirits up.  She encourages me when I need it most, she calms my nerves, listens to my worries, venting and complaining (most recently this morning when trying to get things organized to get yet another PICC line inserted in order to start more IV antibiotics), all while keeping up with her work in the CF Foundation. She is the person I look up to and turn to when I struggle. She inspires me and I am so incredibly grateful that she is MY MOMMA.

Recently, she received the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal. This medal honours significant contributions and achievements by Canadians to their fellow countrymen, their community or to Canada. I mean, this is a BIG deal. Are you kidding me!? I’m proud of myself for making it out of bed, doing my physio, getting some exercise and getting dinner on the table! This woman amazes me every single day and I am so very proud of her. With a mother like this, how can a cure for CF not be found!

I can’t leave this blog post without saying something about my amazing Dad. After all, at every step, he has been beside my Mom, and has contributed to the CF cause immensely in his own right. He’s truly the best Dad anyone could ask for!  I am so very lucky to have these two amazing people called  “The Black’s,” as my parents.  Some may even say I hit the jackpot. 

Congratulations Momma. I’m so very proud of you!