This column was contributed by BenitoLink reporter and community member Blaire Strohn. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent BenitoLink or other affiliated contributors.
First of all, my name is Blaire Strohn. My passion for the agriculture industry was sprouted at a young age in Paicines, where I grew up living on a ranch. I’m a graduate student at Oklahoma State University, focusing on International Agriculture and I also report for BenitoLink, San Benito’s community supported news.
My Cystic Fibrosis journey began the first day I was born. I’ve gone through many lung infections, hospitalizations, sinus surgery, port placement, feeding tube placement, and waiting on a transplant list for “new” lungs. Many people don’t understand CF because it’s very rare and invisible. I may look normal on the outside, but inside I struggle for a breath.
Cystic Fibrosis is an incurable, life-threatening disease that affects both the lungs and the digestive system.
Awareness is huge for Cystic Fibrosis like in the film “Five Feet Apart” that allows people to see different CFer’s journeys. This movie doesn’t fully show the complex stories of our lives, but does depict the emotional, mental, and physical struggles we face. Most importantly, our story is getting shared, helping people to better understand the impact of this disease.
I encourage all to watch the film and help raise awareness for Cystic Fibrosis. We need a cure! #fivefeetapart #cysticfibrosis
At the time this article was published, Five Feet Apart was showing at Premier Cinemas in Hollister.