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The Getaway

Wrapped in a vest and your parents' concern, you weren't sure if you were ever going to hit the road toward an independent life. Now that it's time to set your own course, however, what's your compass point? Moving into your own digs? Attending a university in your home town? Relocating to another city or state? Thanks to the remarkable medical advances (live link to timeline) made in the fight against cystic fibrosis over the last few decades, you are leading an expedition into relatively unknown territory. You belong to the first generation of CF patients who are reaping the benefits of those medical advancements, and chances are your journey is leading you to places you didn't believe would be possible. There is no road map for this trip, this is your brave new world.

Lands Unknown

Exploring adulthood is a journey rife with riches, rights and responsibilities — even without the added complexity of cystic fibrosis. That's why your mom and dad, who have guided you to this point and kept your treatment on track, look so anxious. They're proud, a little nervous and hoping your upcoming choices will lead you to a long and fulfilling life. Go easy on them. Letting go can be hard. As you pack your bags to head out, remember to take with you your treatment schedule, a dedication to exercise and good nutrition and a commitment to making lifestyle choices that will help you stay as healthy as possible.

Destination College

Landing at college plunks you down amidst a hustling, bustling life of new ideas, friends and opportunities — all of them taking time. It can be exciting, challenging and exhausting! As someone traveling the roads with cystic fibrosis, finding success at college, and in life, depends on your dedication to self-care. All around you kids are cramming for tests, pulling all-nighters and gulping down junk food. As a savvy traveler, however, you know that your approach to navigating college has to be planned carefully. Time management has never been more important than when you are trying to juggle a full class load, a social life, studying, exercise, good nutrition and daily treatments. It might be tempting to throw the idea of compliance out the window in the first, heady months of living on your own, but to do so is like taking a dip in shark-infested waters. Your ticket to the next phase in your life, where you venture to career, marriage and even a family, (these links will jump the user to our other travel label topics) depends on your good choices today. It may not be easy, but you can do this!