It’s back-to-school time again! This season brings excitement—but when you’re living with a chronic illness, it can also bring anxiety. I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF) at just three weeks old, so throughout my childhood, germs and illness were always top of mind. My parents and I worked hard to balance a “normal” school experience while protecting my health. Washing my hands and taking vitamins were two simple but essential ways I could help protect myself. I also never wore my school clothes or shoes in the house. My parents were very diligent about making sure my friends were healthy before arranging playdates. 

Years later, when I went to college, I had to take on this responsibility myself. I stayed on top of my breathing treatments, remained active, and prioritized sleep to build my immunity. That wasn’t always easy in a college setting, but I’m so grateful my parents gave me the foundation to succeed. 

As a kid, I always dreamed of becoming a teacher. I was thrilled to attend CU Boulder to pursue my degree in education. But in my junior year, things took a sharp turn—I became very ill, and my lung function dropped by half without clear explanation beyond CF progression. It was devastating, especially since I had worked so hard to stay healthy. When lung transplant conversations began, my care team and I had to face reality. As a transplant patient, you’re placed on immunosuppressants, which significantly increase vulnerability to infection. Teaching—especially in a classroom full of kids—was simply too risky. I was heartbroken but knew I couldn’t jeopardize my health. 

A few months later, however, hope appeared. While being evaluated for transplant, my team anticipated the approval of Trikafta, a new CF medication showing incredible promise in clinical trials. I was placed on oxygen full-time and had to strictly limit exposure to illness, but five months later, I received early access to the drug. The results were remarkable. Within weeks of starting Trikafta, my lung function improved by 14%, and I was able to come off oxygen completely. Over time, my lung function and energy stabilized to a point that was much less restricting. 

Thanks to this life-changing medication, I was able to pursue a master’s in special education and begin the teaching career I once thought impossible. While I still take precautions, the level of risk is much more manageable now. Today, I still follow many of the same habits from childhood. I wash my hands constantly, clean my classroom regularly, avoid sharing supplies like pens or pencils with students, and change clothes and shoes as soon as I get home. Most importantly, I stick to my daily breathing treatments, take my medications, and make exercise a priority. 

I’m incredibly grateful to live out my dream career in the classroom while continuing to take the steps I need to stay healthy. It hasn’t been easy—but the journey has made this moment even more meaningful. 

By: Hannah Pfeiffer

Read CFRI’s “Cystic Fibrosis In the Classroom” for more helpful tips about navigating elementary, middle, high school, and post-secondary education