Shannon Price's Inspirational Story: Living with CF

Shannon Price is not just a woman in her thirties, living with CF, she is an inspiration to the CF community. Shannon began working with the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation as a 'poster-child' for campaigns. When a good friend of hers passed from the disease Shannon decided it was time to do more, "I felt a call to action." In 2001, she began speaking on behalf of the CCFF, helping people to cope and live with the disease and raising awareness. Then she formed her own team to raise money for the Great Strides Walk in 2002. Since her involvement in the walk her team, Shanni's Little Stompers, has grown to over 40 people and has raised over $122,000 since 2003. Shannon says that being involved with the CCFF community has provided her with the support and encouragement that is necessary to deal with the disease.



"It's my friends and family who have helped me along the way," says Shannon. She admits she tried to shield her loved ones from the pain she was suffering, however, she has learned that leaning on these support systems has been the most important part of living with CF. However, Shannon advises young people struggling with CF to be very vigilant with treatment, don't ignore medications and therapies, although it may take hours a day just to stay healthy. "You should never lose focus because it will help in the long-run," says Shannon. "And have faith always, that things will turn around."