Title: Episode #0072 Parents “Letting Go” as Their Child Becomes Independent with CF
Donna Dorsett, Mom with beautiful daughter with CF shares her feelings on “letting go” as her daughter becomes more independent attending college away from home. As a parent you never let go… you let go physically but not emotionally.
- Donna has 4 children (one with CF), divorced and living in New Jersey.
- “Our family is very close and we do a lot together – family is extremely important” states Donna.
- Kristyn, her daughter, was diagnosed at 18 months and is now attending the University of Scranton.
- When dealing with the ups and downs of cystic fibrosis Donna gets her strength from family.
- “I never limit my daughter due to CF or treat my daughter as being sick” states Donna, “Kristyn is not sick… she gets sick…”
- “My daughter has dreams and goals and therefore I need to let go so she can pursue them…”
- Donna’s advice, “Look beyond the disease… look at your son or daughter… CF cannot be #1 and allow them to live the life that you worked so hard at giving them”

This “LIVING. BREATHING. SUCCEEDING.” Podcast/Vodcast series is the 8th in a series of 12 made possible through and unrestricted educational grant from Genentech to The Boomer Esiason Foundation.

Title: Episode #0071 Exercise-The Key to Being Compliant on a Daily Basis
Gunnar Esiason, 17 years old with cystic fibrosis (CF), high school senior, actively involved in sports, and gearing up for college
- Gunnar was diagnosed at age 2 and resides in Long Island with his family.
- “Growing up with CF is an added burden but being compliant to my therapy and exercise is the key to ” states Gunnar “.
- Currently a senior at Friends Academy, Gunnar is looking at many colleges and universities including: Boston College, Bucknell, and Richmond.
- Gunnar’s favorite sport is hockey… “I am always moving on the ice and the exercise makes me cough which is a great form of airway clearance”, states Gunnar
- “Exercise, along with my daily medication/therapy routine is KEY to keeping me healthy. I skate 45 minutes a day and have 2 games a week”
- Gunnar does not let CF get in the way of him living his life to the fullest… “I do not let CF create obstacles in my life – I make sure it does not!”
- Gunnar’s advice: “Be active everyday! Cheating on your therapy = cheating on yourself… GET OFF THE COUCH & MOVE!”

This podcast was made possible through and unrestricted educational grant from EURAND to The Boomer Esiason Foundation.
 

Title: Episode #0070 Succeeding with CF in the Career World Through Compliance with Cris Dopher
Cris Dopher, 37 years old with cystic fibrosis (CF) is enjoying his career in the Fine Arts as a professional set/lighting and window designer for many shows/department stores including Broadway productions. Adhering to his daily therapies, Cris affords himself the opportunity to enjoy the financial awards of a career, run marathons, and socialize in the game of life despite having cystic fibrosis

- Cris grew up in California and Missouri, was diagnosed at age 4 due to “failure to thrive”, and currently resides in New York.
- Cris has always been focused on goals and his first job, at age 16, was typing a book for an author.
- “As long as I can remember I was out there in the working world… I worked at MacDonald’s, was a receptionist for student housing in college, and worked in tent theatre at college for hands on experience”, states Cris
- Cris has 2 bachelors degrees and 2 master’s degrees that include a Masters of Fine Arts from New York University.
- The biggest challenge Cris faces with CF on a daily basis is TIME MANAGEMENT but, according to Cris, “it’s all worth it!”
- “CF is background noise and it does NOT get in my way of living and enjoying my life” states Cris.
- Cris recently ran the ING New York City Marathon in 5 hours and 50 minutes and exercises 5 days/week.
- CBS Evening News recently did a piece on Cris: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/11/18/eveningnews/main4615319.shtml
- Cris’ formula for success: Compliance = Success. Be rigorous about your therapies – without your health you cannot be a good worker and enjoy life!

This “LIVING. BREATHING. SUCCEEDING.” Podcast/Vodcast series is the 7th in a series of 12 made possible through and unrestricted educational grant from Genentech to The Boomer Esiason Foundation.
 

Title: Episode #00689 Gearing up for College with Gunnar Esiason
Gunnar Esiason, 17 years old with cystic fibrosis (CF), high school senior, playing football and hockey, staying compliant, and spending long hours on college applications as he gets ready to move onward and upward.
- Gunnar was diagnosed at age 2 and resides in Long Island with his family.
- Currently a senior at Friends Academy, Gunnar is looking at many colleges and universities including: Boston College, Bucknell, and Richmond.
- “Being compliant is the key to living the life I want to live ” states Gunnar “I like to be involved with family and friends and always doing something”.
- “The hardest thing about growing up with CF is the time management… but I make sure I do my therapies so I can play football, hockey, and spend time with my family and friends being normal”
- Gunnar’s biggest role models have been his parents, “They are always very positive and pushing me forward” states Gunnar.
- Regarding college life and being independent and compliant… “I have always been pretty independent growing up so going to college is just the next step in the process to be even more independent and take care of my health. I always remember that my health comes first”.
- “ I have CF but I don’t let it stop me from doing things in life, including going away to college – I control my own destiny…”

This podcast was made possible through and unrestricted educational grant from EURAND to The Boomer Esiason Foundation.

Title: Med Systems Percussor 5000 – Airway Clearance Focused, Effective, and Easy
Jim Davis launched Med Systems in 1976 after a very successful career designing life support systems. Jim, an M.I.T. graduate and accomplished engineer launched the Electro Flo 5000 percussor for home use, allowing patients to add a valuable tool to their toolbox of treatment options.
- The Electro Flo 5000 percussor took 5 years to develop and is an electronically operated jackhammer intended for chest vibration/airway clearance.
- The percussor is easy to use, weighs on 6 lbs, perfect for travel, and as Jim states: “Great for going on vacation or the college dorm room”.
- The percussor is self-administered and you can customize your chest pt treatments, adjust speed and power and focus on each individual lobe.
- Jim states: “The Electro Flo 5000 gives patients great lung clearance from the true percussor action and is more effective than just vibration.
- The percussor costs approximately $2,500; you need a prescription, and can be submitted to insurance.
- For more information call Sharon Johnson at 800-345-9061
- Website: www.medsystems.com
 

Title: CF, College Life, Sports, and Compliance – Sean Bourgeois is Passionate
Sean Bourgeois, 19 years old with cystic fibrosis (CF) is playing junior hockey and attending University of Phoenix “online” while he pursues his dreams of playing hockey for the NHL.
- Sean was diagnosed at age 4 and resides in Maine with his family.
- “My father got me involved in sports and hockey because he thought it would help my lungs and it’s been the best thing for me” states Sean.
- “Living with CF has NOT prevented me from doing things in life” states Sean “CF is not going to stop me from reaching my goals”.
- “The hardest thing about growing up with CF is the treatments… but I have to do them so I can play hockey and spend time with my family and friends.
- Sean’s biggest role models have been his parents, “They are always there for me and they have gone above and beyond” states Sean.
- Regarding college life and being independent… “I am ready to be responsible because I have a lot of BIG goals” states Sean.
- “ I want to be the first person with CF to play professional hockey in the NHL…”
This “LIVING. BREATHING. SUCCEEDING.” Podcast/Vodcast series is the 6th of 12 made possible through and unrestricted educational grant from Genentech to The Boomer Esiason Foundation.

Title: CF, College Life, Sports, and Compliance – Sean Bourgeois is Passionate
Sean Bourgeois, 19 years old with cystic fibrosis (CF) is playing junior hockey and attending University of Phoenix “online” while he pursues his dreams of playing hockey for the NHL.
- Sean was diagnosed at age 4 and resides in Maine with his family.
- “My father got me involved in sports and hockey because he thought it would help my lungs and it’s been the best thing for me” states Sean.
- “Living with CF has NOT prevented me from doing things in life” states Sean “CF is not going to stop me from reaching my goals”.
- “The hardest thing about growing up with CF is the treatments… but I have to do them so I can play hockey and spend time with my family and friends.
- Sean’s biggest role models have been his parents, “They are always there for me and they have gone above and beyond” states Sean.
- Regarding college life and being independent… “I am ready to be responsible because I have a lot of BIG goals” states Sean.
- “ I want to be the first person with CF to play professional hockey in the NHL…”
This “LIVING. BREATHING. SUCCEEDING.” Podcast/Vodcast series is the 6th of 12 made possible through and unrestricted educational grant from Genentech to The Boomer Esiason Foundation.

Title: Living & Loving Life with CF Post Transplant – Andrea Eisenman talks about her “New Life”

Andrea Eisenman, 43 years old with cystic fibrosis (CF), post double lung transplant 8 years, and engaged to be married. Andrea is volunteering with CF Roundtable, a newsletter published by adults with CF, and also working on her film project about CF entitled “Nobody Should Know” and LIVING BREATHING SUCCEEDING on a daily basis…

• Andrea was diagnosed with CF at 9 months, grew up in NYC, and studied art at SUNY Purchase
• “Exercise is key going into a transplant so I used to swim in the pool using oxygen as my mother walked along the side of the pool holding the oxygen tank” states Andrea
• Andrea was transplanted at New York Presbyterian in April 25th 2000 and was amazed at what if felt like to take a breath without coughing – “it is beyond comprehension, I never felt this well”.
• “Going into transplant it is extremely important to have a support team – my mom is amazing!” states Andrea
• “Life goes on post transplant and I still have CF but my quality of life is better”
• Andrea competes in the Transplant Games (International Competition for people that have had a transplant) in tennis, biking, running, and swimming.
• Andrea’s advice to others facing a transplant include; investigate good transplant centers, talk to others that had a transplant, exercise, go to support groups, and have a strong support group of family and friends.
• “ I appreciate being alive – it’s a gift…” states Andrea.

This “LIVING. BREATHING. SUCCEEDING.” Podcast/Vodcast series is the 5th of 12 made possible through and unrestricted educational grant from Genentech to The Boomer Esiason Foundation.
 

Title: Living & Loving Life with CF Post Transplant – Andrea Eisenman talks about her “New Life”

Andrea Eisenman, 43 years old with cystic fibrosis (CF), post double lung transplant 8 years, and engaged to be married. Andrea is volunteering with CF Roundtable, a newsletter published by adults with CF, and also working on her film project about CF entitled “Nobody Should Know” and LIVING BREATHING SUCCEEDING on a daily basis…

• Andrea was diagnosed with CF at 9 months, grew up in NYC, and studied art at SUNY Purchase
• “Exercise is key going into a transplant so I used to swim in the pool using oxygen as my mother walked along the side of the pool holding the oxygen tank” states Andrea
• Andrea was transplanted at New York Presbyterian in April 25th 2000 and was amazed at what if felt like to take a breath without coughing – “it is beyond comprehension, I never felt this well”.
• “Going into transplant it is extremely important to have a support team – my mom is amazing!” states Andrea
• “Life goes on post transplant and I still have CF but my quality of life is better”
• Andrea competes in the Transplant Games (International Competition for people that have had a transplant) in tennis, biking, running, and swimming.
• Andrea’s advice to others facing a transplant include; investigate good transplant centers, talk to others that had a transplant, exercise, go to support groups, and have a strong support group of family and friends.
• “ I appreciate being alive – it’s a gift…” states Andrea.

This “LIVING. BREATHING. SUCCEEDING.” Podcast/Vodcast series is the 5th of 12 made possible through and unrestricted educational grant from Genentech to The Boomer Esiason Foundation.
 

Title: Episode #0065 Challenges of Health Insurance – Beth Sufian Informs the CF Community

Beth Sufian, 42 years old and compliant with cystic fibrosis (CF). Beth is happily married living in Texas, an attorney, serves on the CF Foundation Advisory Task Force on adult issues and is LIVING BREATHING SUCCEEDING on a daily basis…

• Beth talks about knowing your legal rights and advocating for yourself.
• Beth discusses who qualifies for Social Security benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid.
• Learn pointers on how to obtain health insurance for children and adults with CF and how to deal with increasing drug co-pays.
• Beth discusses SSI, SSDI, Adult CF programs, COBRA, pre-existing clauses, Family Medical Leave Act, and YOUR medical records.
• “ Be compliant – take care of yourself first and foremost” is Beth’s main advice.
• “Big is Better when it comes to health insurance” states Beth.
  
  This “LIVING. BREATHING. SUCCEEDING.” Podcast/Vodcast series is the 4th of 12 made possible through and unrestricted educational grant from Genentech to The Boomer Esiason Foundation.