"I try to reassure everyone who has been affected by this disease that CF isn't the end of the world if you don't want it to be."
The experience of living with cystic fibrosis is markedly different today than it was decades ago. Thanks to the discovery of the CF gene, the availability of effective drug therapies and advances in technology, the 30,000 Americans who deal with the disease day in and day out are living longer and fuller lives. In a word, they are thriving.
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Podcast 76: Paul Drury - Giving Back to the CF Community

Paul Drury is 42 years old with cystic fibrosis and is post-lung and -kidney transplant. Paul is happily married, working for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (Connecticut Chapter), a mentor to the CF community, and LIVING, BREATHING and SUCCEEDING on a daily basis. 24/7 for the CF community is what Paul Drury is all about. Not only does he live with the disease; Paul works for the CFF in fundraising and speaks to many people with CF on a daily basis.

  • Paul was born in Chicago - one of six children - and was diagnosed at age two due to “failure to thrive." He grew up in Connecticut and attended the University of Connecticut.
  • “Growing up with CF was a very private matter, and I jumped into the world of CF post-transplant," Paul says.
  • Paul believes “working for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation lets me give back to others and have a major impact on their life by giving them HOPE. It makes me feel good."
  • Paul gives back at the CFF by doing fundraising for a cure and by speaking at events to raise awareness. He speaks to families and patients on a daily basis. “ I am like the poster adult for the CF community," he says.
  • Paul also is an artist and “gives back” by doing paintings (pointillism) for various CF events.
  • Paul’s biggest challenge on a daily basis: “Staying healthy.”
  • Paul’s advice: “Do your meds, exercise, nutrition ... and sometimes laughter is the best medicine."

This “LIVING. BREATHING. SUCCEEDING.” Podcast/Vodcast is the 10th in a series of of 12 made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Genentech to the Boomer Esiason Foundation.

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