We're not that different after all...

       When I was a little girl, I would sit on my mom's lap in my grandma's old wooden rocking chair, and we would sing the ABC's. It wasn't until a few years later that I learned about 2 letters of the alphabet that would change my life forever; CF. I had always dreamed of being a singer and these two letters seemed to make that impossible. But I refused to let Cystic Fibrosis define me. And it was then that I stopped focusing on two little letters, and started living by three powerful words. Just watch me. There is so much more to me than Cystic Fibrosis and I know that you'll see that throughout this blog if you Just Watch Me.

       For those of you who don't know what Cystic Fibrosis is, I'll tell you a little bit about it. It's a genetic disease that mainly affects the lungs and the pancreas, but also targets the whole body. Since it is genetic, both parents have to be carriers of the gene and even then it's a one in four chance that you have a child with the disease. All four of the kids in my family have Cystic Fibrosis. What are the odds of that happening you ask? .39%! It affects about 30,000 people in the United States and is currently the number 1 genetic killer of children. There is no cure at the time, but many medical achievements are being made daily.

        I remember hearing a story about when my oldest sister, April, was born. The doctor handed my parents a box of Kleenex as they explained that she had a terminal illness called Cystic Fibrosis. They told my parents that she wouldn't live passed the age of 8. But she proved them wrong and lived until she was 26 years old. She brought 2 beautiful babies into the world and definitely left an imprint on the hearts of many. My older brother is now 28 and is the sweetest person you will ever meet. He literally has given the coat off of his back to many, picks up hitch-hikers and puts a smile on everyone's face that he comes in contact with. In High school he was one of the top golfers in Idaho and is now a gymnastics coach. Christina is 16 and is full of life. She is an incredible singer and travels with me across the country sharing our message of hope and inspiration through word and song. We like to joke that our house is like a circus with all of us, but really we are lucky to have each other. We can relate to one another and support each other when we are sick.

        So as you can see we are not your average family. We may seem different, but once you get to know us you'll realize We're not that different after all.