Posts by: Charlene Marshall

Charlene Marshall

Charlene is a fiercely independent 30-something woman who can’t sit still. She loves coffee, wine tasting, playing with her dog, and spending time on the beach with her family. She’s a lover of all things travel, and never passes up an opportunity for a dip in the ocean! A proud Canadian, Charlene was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in 2016 after 13 months of investigation into sudden shortness of breath, a chronic cough, and unusual fatigue. IPF has forced her to slow down, but she’s slowly learning the value of quality versus quantity in everything she does.

February 25, 2021February 23, 2021

Rare Disease Day Brings Me Hope as a PF Patient

Columns, Younger than 30: Living with IPF, a column by Charlene Marshall

We talk a lot about the importance of finding and maintaining hope in the rare disease community. While I agree this is important, I also want to acknowledge it ... Read more

February 18, 2021February 16, 2021

6 Ways to Help Others Manage Pandemic Stress

Columns, Younger than 30: Living with IPF, a column by Charlene Marshall

Since the start of the pandemic, levels of stress, frustration, and confusion have risen to troubling levels. It seems that many of us also are experiencing more concern over ... Read more

February 11, 2021February 9, 2021

My Healthcare Wish List: How to Improve the Patient Experience

Columns, Younger than 30: Living with IPF, a column by Charlene Marshall

At a recent hospital appointment, I was asked to complete a survey about my experience. As a patient with a chronic illness, I am at the hospital a lot ... Read more

February 5, 2021February 3, 2021

A PF Patient’s Experience: Setting Goals for Better Health

Columns, Younger than 30: Living with IPF, a column by Charlene Marshall

I thrive in an organized and structured environment. As a young adult, I guess I’m a creature of habit and predictability, but my parents say I’ve always been this ... Read more

January 28, 2021January 26, 2021

In Memory of Donnie Vapor: We’ll Never Forget You

Columns, Younger than 30: Living with IPF, a column by Charlene Marshall

It happens far too often in the pulmonary fibrosis (PF) community: the unexpected and sudden loss of a fellow patient. I’ve lost some dear friends since my idiopathic pulmonary ... Read more

January 21, 2021January 19, 2021

Toward a Better Understanding of the IPF Cough

Columns, Younger than 30: Living with IPF, a column by Charlene Marshall

While I don’t have a medical background or degree, I have learned a lot in the past few years about idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Much of that learning comes ... Read more

January 14, 2021January 12, 2021

PTSD Is Common in Chronically Ill Patients. Here’s How I Address It

Columns, Younger than 30: Living with IPF, a column by Charlene Marshall

As a columnist for BioNews, I try to write about a variety of topics pertaining to patients living with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), even those that are taboo or ... Read more

January 7, 2021January 5, 2021

These Resources Can Help Reduce Anxiety During the Pandemic

Columns, Younger than 30: Living with IPF, a column by Charlene Marshall

Many have noted that the recent holiday season was difficult due to the pandemic, as large family gatherings were discouraged. In some places, Christmas was canceled altogether. Two years ... Read more

December 17, 2020December 15, 2020

Focusing on What Is Still Possible This Holiday Season

Columns, Younger than 30: Living with IPF, a column by Charlene Marshall

This holiday season will be far different from previous ones. Because we are still in the midst of a global health crisis that won’t be resolved by Christmas, families ... Read more

December 10, 2020December 8, 2020

Reflecting on Life’s Lessons During Another Special Birthday

Columns, Younger than 30: Living with IPF, a column by Charlene Marshall

I recently celebrated another birthday, my fourth since being diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Prior to adding “rare disease patient” to my list of personal identities, I never ... Read more