Community Opinions

COLUMN: An insider’s perspective on Cystic Fibrosis

BenitoLink reporter Blaire Strohn increases awareness by sharing her struggle with Cystic Fibrosis.
This picture with the steer is from my freshman year at Fresno State. I was actively involved in Fresno State Beef Cattle Show Team where we competed at collegiate jackpot shows throughout the state of California. Photo courtesy of Blaire Strohn.
This picture with the steer is from my freshman year at Fresno State. I was actively involved in Fresno State Beef Cattle Show Team where we competed at collegiate jackpot shows throughout the state of California. Photo courtesy of Blaire Strohn.
This is with me and my older brother, Blane, helping me get ready to compete. Photo courtesy of Blaire Strohn.
This shot is from the Challenge of Champions Rodeo in Plymouth, CA and I'm competing in goat tying. Photo courtesy of Blaire Strohn.
Blaire at the Challenge of Champions Rodeo in Plymouth, CA, where she competed in goat tying.
Blaire at the American Rodeo at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. She was part of the 2018 American Ambassador team.
Blaire at the American Rodeo at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. She was part of the 2018 American Ambassador team.

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.

 

Blaire Strohn

Blaire Strohn was a popular and vivacious reporter for BenitoLink. Blaire passed away Sept. 25, 2019 after doing her best for years to heroically ignore the limitations of Cystic Fibrosis. Despite these challenges, she was a graduate student at Oklahoma State University focusing on International Agriculture. Blaire also graduated from California State University, Fresno with a Bachelors Degree in Agriculture Communications. Born and raised on a cow/calf operation ranch in Paicines, Blaire was passionate about the agriculture community and western way of life.