How I Selectively Share Updates About My PF Experience
Most of my friends and family members would say I am an open book about my chronic illness. After the initial shock wore off from being diagnosed with a life-threatening lung disease at 28,…
Living With IPF — Charlene Marshall
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.
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My New Year’s wishes for the IPF community
Each new year brings an influx of marketing about resolutions, hopes, and wishes. If you’re like me, your social media feed is flooded with related ad campaigns this month. A new year often sparks…
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Life After COVID-19: Here’s What I Think Will Change
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…
Why Gratitude Feels More Important Now Than Ever
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…
How I’ve Made Quarantine a Little Easier
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…
There Is Something to Be Said About Routine!
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…
‘I Just Want New Lungs’: I Promise to Do Everything Right
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,…
Focusing on the Good During the COVID-19 Pandemic
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,…
Tips for Combating Anxiety Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
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…
Travel Is Still Possible Despite PF-related Obstacles
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…
Patient Advocacy Directors Play a Key Role in Amplifying Patients’ Voices
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…
Answering Personal Questions About My PF Journey
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…
Our Pulmonary Fibrosis Journeys Can Differ Drastically
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…
