Charlene Marshall is a fiercely independent 30-something-year-old 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.
Since my diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in 2016, I’ve learned to manage my emotions about my illness. However, there are a few circumstances that make it nearly impossible for me to control how I feel, often…
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I can’t recall how many weeks we’ve been enduring physical distancing unless I actually sit down to think about it. The days seem to blur together, and the time at home seems similar today to what it was…
As I sit down to write this column, my heart feels heavy. As a Canadian, I can’t help but shed tears for the senseless act of violence that occurred over the weekend a few provinces to the east…
It’s fair to say that none of us really know how to navigate our days during this COVID-19 pandemic. I have never lived through anything quite like this, and would guess that many of you haven’t either. The days…
When I was growing up, my mom used to say, “Charlene, there is something to be said about routine!” Usually she was referring to my sleeping habits: I would stay up far too late and then be tired the…
The news of organ transplants being paused at several medical centers around the world amid the COVID-19 pandemic is deeply troubling. As a patient living with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), I’m concerned, because ultimately, a lung transplant…
It’s hard to focus on anything other than the COVID-19 outbreak happening around the world. News reports share grim statistics and other daily details about surges in new cases, the climbing death toll, and stories of those who…
Like my readers on Pulmonary Fibrosis News, I’m doing my best to stay abreast of the global COVID-19 outbreak. With that said, I am finding it pertinent for my mental health to take breaks from social media…
I am writing this from seat 17A on a flight home from California. I see nothing but fluffy white clouds and sunshine from up here, and I can’t help but wipe a tear from my eye. I have completed…
Since being diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) nearly four years ago, I’ve learned a lot about chronic illness communities. Additionally, I’ve learned about the many professional roles that affect patients, families, and caregivers living with chronic illnesses.
I am a believer in the power of sharing stories. I believe that our narratives can shape and inspire others. As a columnist for Pulmonary Fibrosis News, I hope to help others by sharing my story about living with…
I believe we all have an innate desire to feel connected with one another. It doesn’t matter whether that connection is when we’re empathizing with another patient plagued by the same disease, or when the anguish we experience matches…
As I write this, I have been living with a rare disease for 1,413 days. On April 7, 2016, my life was transformed from an active young adult to a chronically ill patient when I was diagnosed with…
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