Title: Relationships and CF â Episode #0063 Tiffany Christensen Speaks
Out!
Tiffany Christensen, 34 years old with cystic fibrosis is LIVING BREATHING
SUCCEEDING on a daily basisâ
With the help of todayâs therapies, cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are now living
longer and achieving more than ever before. Pulmonary treatments are enabling
adults with CF to pursue their dreams by entering college and the career world.
In this podcast, 34-year-old CF survivor Tiffany Christianson talks about the
role of CF in establishing new relationships. Tiffany is the recipient of 2
double lung transplants and the author of the book Sick Girl Speaks. In this
conversation with her, she dives into topics such as the importance of remaining
compliant on a daily basis as well as the tricky issue of revealing your CF to
your newfound friend. Whatever you do, she says, âdonât lose your identity in a
relationship and ignore your CFâ?.
Key messages in the Podcast include:
Tiffany is a relationship driven person and believes telling about your
CF is good, but that âless is moreâ? at the beginning of a romantic
relationship.
âCF adds more layers to relationships but I am worthy of it!â? says
Tiffany.
Tiffany has learned to âstop making my disease my identityâ? and to start
communicating, enjoying, and having fun in a relationship â âWe are a teamââ?
Relationships involve a lot of work and vulnerability â make sure you do
your homeworkâ âRemember, like all relationships people may not accept each
other due to certain likes/dislikes and that includes CFâ? states Tiffany.
âDonât search for your worth in someone elseâs armsââ? says Tiffany.
Tiffanyâs advice: â CF should be a motivator to get in a relationship.
Relationships enhance your life! I have no regrets!â?
* This âLIVING. BREATHING. SUCCEEDING.â? Podcast/ Vodcast series is the 2nd of 12 made possible through and unrestricted educational grant from
Genentech to The Boomer Esiason Foundation.
