Title: Episode #00689 Gearing up for College with Gunnar Esiason
Gunnar Esiason, 17 years old with cystic fibrosis (CF), high school senior, playing football and hockey, staying compliant, and spending long hours on college applications as he gets ready to move onward and upward.
- Gunnar was diagnosed at age 2 and resides in Long Island with his family.
- Currently a senior at Friends Academy, Gunnar is looking at many colleges and universities including: Boston College, Bucknell, and Richmond.
- âBeing compliant is the key to living the life I want to live â states Gunnar âI like to be involved with family and friends and always doing somethingâ.
- âThe hardest thing about growing up with CF is the time managementâ but I make sure I do my therapies so I can play football, hockey, and spend time with my family and friends being normalâ
- Gunnarâs biggest role models have been his parents, âThey are always very positive and pushing me forwardâ states Gunnar.
- Regarding college life and being independent and compliantâ âI have always been pretty independent growing up so going to college is just the next step in the process to be even more independent and take care of my health. I always remember that my health comes firstâ.
- â I have CF but I donât let it stop me from doing things in life, including going away to college â I control my own destinyââ

This podcast was made possible through and unrestricted educational grant from EURAND to The Boomer Esiason Foundation.