The Courageous Spirit of a Teen With Cystic Fibrosis

by Chaya Baumwolspiner – chabad.org

She’s lively, spunky and has an ever-present smile. And yet, as an 18-year-old recent high school graduate, Rosie Grossbaum of Morristown, N.J., has the wisdom of someone far beyond her years, and despite the fact that she has cystic fibrosis, is one of the happiest people around.

Welcome to the radiant world of an extraordinary teen who’s able to say, “It’s OK,” whatever comes her way.

What’s All This About Cystic Fibrosis?

I won’t tell you that cystic fibrosis (CF) isn’t a big deal; it’s not something I can ignore, and it’s not going to go away. Nevertheless, I’ve had it since I was born, and I’m perfectly OK with it, even though it means I need a load of medications, therapies (morning and evening), possible hospitalizations (although fortunately, I haven’t been in hospital since I was 9) and lots of food I don’t always want to eat.

At the same time, I’m a regular teenager who’s able to do most of the things that other girls do and have a lot of fun. My health needs may be different than theirs, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have a great life.

As a small child, Rosie knew very little about CF. As she got older, she gradually became aware of its implications and the many ways it made her different from her peers.

Read the complete article at chabad.org