Illustrations and simple text help children learn what cystic fibrosis is and how it is dealt with.

This one-of-a-kind guide offers easy-to-understand explanations, advice, and management options for patients or parents of patients with cystic fibrosis. The book explains the disease process, outlines the fundamentals of diagnosing and screening, and addresses the challenges of treatment for those living with CF. As one reviewer said, this book “is the only complete answer book for everyone living with the disease. It is an indispensable resource for families of children with CF, adolescent and adult patients, and physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and social workers involved in the care of CF patients.”

This book tells the story of Jack, a boy who has a genetic condition called Cystic Fibrosis, and his Cystic Fibrosis Superpowers. Cystic Fibrosis affects approximately 1 in every 2,500 people of European ancestry, and also affects people of other ancestries, but less frequently. This book is intended to serve as a way to communicate with children about Cystic Fibrosis, to embrace and foster acceptance of the human condition, and help children understand what Cystic Fibrosis means for themselves or someone they know who is affected by Cystic Fibrosis.

"Andy's book will provide hope for those who so desperately need it. These stories of strength and determination are inspiration to keep fighting in our own lives." --Celine Dion "These are tales of warriors who have beaten the odds by making their dreams come true. These are stories that will give you hope. And by buying this book, you will bring us closer to a cure. That is my dream." --Lewis Black "After spending time with cystic fibrosis warriors throughout the country, I've quickly realized they are the toughest and most resilient people I have ever met. The outlook CF warriors have on life is one that everyone should strive to have." --Colton Underwood "These are the stories of CF warriors who refused to succumb to a distressful prognosis, and instead thrived through the power of belief." --Megan Fox

The diaries of a remarkable young woman who was determined to live a meaningful and happy life despite her struggle with cystic fibrosis and a rare superbug—from age fifteen to her death at the age of twenty-five—the inspiration for the original streaming documentary Salt in My Soul “An exquisitely nuanced chronicle of a terrified but hopeful young woman whose life was beginning and ending, all at once.”—Los Angeles Times Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at the age of three, Mallory Smith grew up to be a determined, talented young woman who inspired others even as she privately raged against her illness. Despite the daily challenges of endless medical treatments and a deep understanding that she’d never lead a normal life, Mallory was determined to “Live Happy,” a mantra she followed until her death. Mallory worked hard to make the most out of the limited time she had, graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Stanford University, becoming a cystic fibrosis advocate well known in the CF community, and embarking on a career as a professional writer. Along the way, she cultivated countless intimate friendships and ultimately found love. For more than ten years, Mallory recorded her thoughts and observations about struggles and feelings too personal to share during her life, leaving instructions for her mother to publish her work posthumously. She hoped that her writing would offer insight to those living with, or loving someone with, chronic illness. What emerges is a powerful and inspiring portrait of a brave young woman and blossoming writer who did not allow herself to be defined by disease. Her words offer comfort and hope to readers, even as she herself was facing death. Salt in My Soul is a beautifully crafted, intimate, and poignant tribute to a short life well lived—and a call for all of us to embrace our own lives as fully as possible.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the most common genetic disorder in the white population. Since the discovery of the CF gene in 1989, scientists have learned a great deal about the biology of this disease, which strikes one child in every 3.300 births. With the gene pinpointed, scientists are now working on ways to replace it and are developing better tests for early diagnosis. Understanding Cystic Fibrosis charts the progress that has been made in identifying the mutations that cause CF and in understanding how these genetic errors cause a disease whose symptoms can range from mild respiratory distress to life-threatening lung infections. This book features a review of current available treatments; research that can lead to therapies and perhaps a cure; advice and resources for families and patients; how to work best with health-care providers and HMOs; the history and diagnosis of CF; who gets CF and why; how CF affects the lungs, intestines, and other organs; and a list of organizations, support groups, and resources.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the multisystem disease, cystic fibrosis, for both pediatric and adult patients. Written by experts in the field, the text outlines the progressive nature of CF as well as the impact of this autosomal recessive disease on the respiratory, gastrointestinal, endocrine, rheumatologic, and renal systems, as well as the patient’s mental health. The book begins with a chapter describing the history of cystic fibrosis and how the face of this life-shortening disease has changed over the past several decades. The following chapters elucidate the pathophysiology of how cystic fibrosis impacts each organ system. Current management and therapeutics are detailed with step-by-step guidelines for clinicians. This book is unique in that it highlights the entire person, not just the respiratory system, with detailed inclusion of the patient perspectives throughout, informing practice standards and considerations. This is an ideal guide for pediatric and adult physicians who care for patients with cystic fibrosis, as well as respiratory therapists, physical therapists, nurses, nutritionists, and pharmacists who care for these patients.