Biography

I was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis in 2017 after two years of searching for an answer to my nagging cough. The Doctor’s found that my condition was caused by an autoimmune disorder, Sjogren’s. I have been treated with Rituxan, Cellcept, and Prednisone to suppress my immune system and to decrease inflammation. These drugs slowed the progression of Pulmonary Fibrosis but did not stop it. My lungs have slowly deteriorated, and I was recently prescribed OFEV to further slow the progression. I also have a lot of gastric issues caused by Sjogren’s, which have resulted in several stomach surgeries. For the last 5 years I have been a fighter, committed to trying anything! I wanted to continue to work, and enjoy my family for as long as I could.  The last year I have been forced to slow down a lot as the disease and the drugs I am prescribed continue to take their toll. Since I am immune suppressed, Covid has been a big challenge for me to do many of the things I want to do!  My focus now is on making time count, making memories, enjoying life.