A couple weeks ago, Grey’s Anatomy focused part of their episode on CF. (you can watch the episode here)There was a CF patient preparing for a transplant, but the doctors found out that he had a girlfriend who also had CF. This is a huge no no for CFers, as we have bacteria in our lungs that is only harmful to other people with CF. Therefore, there are guidelines set by CFF that we are only allowed to be within 3 feet from each other. For example: I may have bacteria that my lungs can handle or that I don’t even know I have, so giving it to another Cfer could be deadly, as they don’t know how their body will react.
Though CF is usually portrayed in the wrong light whenever it is featured in shows like this or in movies, I was actually pretty impressed with Greys. They really hit the nail on the head with how frustrating it is for people with CF not to be allowed to hang out. I was talking with one of my CF buddies about this, and how hard it would be to refrain from hugging had we met each other. I have made great friends with others with CF, however our friendship only exists within the confines of the internet. Our only communication is online, and once and a while, we may meet separated in a room, or in a hospital corridor always weary of those little bugs.
Grey’s also hit the nail on the head with how hard it is for people with CF to find someone who can handle their lives: sickness, medication, coughing, hospitals, etc. Of COURSE, the best person to understand this would be someone who knows what its like, someone with CF. But it would be so dangerous to date someone with CF, as indicated by the show. The support might be worth it, but the risk is too great.
I watched the episode with my boyfriend and I realized how lucky I am to have him. The girl in the show remarked “as soon as we cough people cringe” True, there is nothing attractive about a nasty cough, people want healthy lovers who they can spend the rest of their lives with, who don’t bring relationship straining problems to the table. But there are people (like my boyfriend) out there who see love first, who will endure any hardship for love. And I think these are the strongest relationships, to be honest. If you can stay strong through sickness, tears, and fear of the future, then you can make it through anything. A big GOLD STAR for those people who love us, who love us shortcomings and all, who hold us when we’re afraid, who celebrate with us when we improve, who stand with us through it all. To our fearless lovers, who don’t run away when we cough, who don’t even flinch. Isn’t that what love is about?: Loving someone despite their imperfections? This is the most beautiful type of love there is.
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