Testimonial: It all starts with you

My name is Marie-France and I have been living with cystic fibrosis for 24 years now. When I was a kid, my symptoms were mild and I lived a life similar to everyone else's. Over time, as with anyone with cystic fibrosis, the disease has evolved and my daily life has changed. Now 32 years old, I still consider myself lucky. I live a fairly normal life: a stable romantic relationship, a loving family, good friends, and a job that I love. For me, illness is a lot like life itself: full of ups and downs, easier days and more demanding days. While the bad days are more frequent over the years, they also teach me to fully appreciate the good ones.

Interpersonal relationships

During my childhood, cystic fibrosis never really stopped me from living a full life. I even felt lucky in my bad luck. As an adult, things changed, especially in my romantic relationships. For a long time, I tried to keep up with my partners, sometimes at the expense of my health. When I could no longer do it, the interests of the other person crumbled.

On several occasions, I have hidden my true condition for fear of losing the person I loved. I tended to perceive cystic fibrosis as a defect, a “hidden defect” whose revelation had to be delayed. However, over time, I have learned that illness is an integral part of who I am. Today, my philosophy is simple: take it or leave it.

If a person really loves me, they will be able to deal with cystic fibrosis and all that it involves. Otherwise it was just not the right person. If I had one message for young women living with cystic fibrosis, it would be this: you are as valuable as anyone else. Illness doesn't take anything away from you. Never let anyone make you think otherwise. It all starts with you.

Establishing priorities

The mid-20s marked a period of great questions. I was constantly torn between my head, full of ideas and desires, and my body, which needed rest and gentleness. Learning to decide has never been easy for me. With time and experience, I understood the importance of listening to my needs and respecting my limits — and above all, of having them respected.

Saying “no” became a priority, as did taking care of myself. This change is relatively recent, but essential. When I cancel an outing or postpone an activity, those around me now understand that my health comes first. And I discovered that it's always possible to adapt and find a happy medium.

Putting health and well-being at the center of your decisions profoundly changes daily life, both physically and emotionally.

Communicate and share

Even though I regularly attend the cystic fibrosis clinic, for a long time I had little contact with other people experiencing the same reality. Recently, as my symptoms worsened, I felt the need to connect with someone who really understood what I was going through. I thus established a bond with another woman suffering from cystic fibrosis. Our exchanges, mainly online, bring me immense comfort. Feeling understood from within makes all the difference.

Get involved

In recent years, I have been involved in the cause of cystic fibrosis in my own way, whether by selling draw tickets, participating in benefit evenings or in the annual walk. Destination healing. These commitments made me feel useful, responsible and more connected to the community.

This involvement has also opened my mind: I am getting more information, I am reading more about the disease and I feel less alone in the face of this journey.

Conclusion

Living with cystic fibrosis means moving forward one day at a time. It is also a quest for constant balance, between the body, emotions and social life. Over time, I have learned that the most important thing is not to keep up with others, but to find my own. Because at the end of the day, it all starts with you.

Testimonial by Marie-France Denis

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