Hope

This Christmas, I learned an entire new meaning of the word Hope. I haven't had much energy to blog the last week as I've been in the hospital fighting another infection. As I was admitted last saturday, the first thing that came to mind was "I might miss Christmas at home", and almost immediately, I was filled with an unspeakable Hope. 

As I think today of the story of Jesus, the entire reason we celebrate, I think of the amount of Hope that kept people going before the Messiah arrived. For 400 years, they had waited and hoped that the messiah would come save them- 400 years...without any response, or even a glimmer of hope. Yet they kept hoping that maybe the next year HE would come. When Mary was told she would have a baby, which seemed the most impossible thing on earth, the angel comforts her with the thought that "nothing is impossible with God", Luke 1:37. Again, the idea of hope. Hope that it's God's work, she's in God's hands and nothing is to big or too impossible that God can't do it. We were given a savior because nothing is impossible with God, perpetual Hope that God is in control.

I've read and heard the story of Christmas for many years and this year, it took on a whole new meaning. This year, as I was filled with Hope in the hospital for the 6 days leading up to Christmas, I never once doubted that I was in God's hands. I never feared that I wasn't being taken care of, and each moment I was worried or scared, God continued to bring to mind "Nothing is impossible with God".  God continued to fill me with hope, drive out fear, and remind me I was loved. Nothing is impossible- coming home for Christmas, breathing easier, medications working, or even a cure for CF. Nothing is impossible with God.

So tonight as I finish up my IV medication and hit my pillow, I want to thank God for reminding me of that, showing us the Hope we have in Christ, and the incredible joy that comes from the simple fact that our savior was born. He was born to save and change our lives. He was born because God didn't lose Hope for his people. I am thankful for my family, who not only walked with me each step as I was cooped up in the hospital by bringing me food, keeping me company and helping me through the healing process. but more importantly kept hoping with me. They hoped right beside me- hoping that I would be home and well enough for Christmas (which I am), hoping the meds would work and we'd see this infection start to clear up, hoping that God would give me strength to fight, and hoping for miracles. I cannot express the thankfulness in my heart for a day spent with my family who loves me just the way I am,with  time to rejoice in the life we've been given and time to celebrate Christmas with such love. Wow, what an amazing day. I am overwhelmed with hope, and overwhelmed with joy tonight.

Merry Christmas, dear friends and family. I pray you are as well, filled with hope.

~Em

Borrowing this "top ten" idea....

So a fellow CF bro, Ronnie (check out his blog!) posts top tens every tuesday, which I thought was pretty sweet! Though I may not keep the tradition of doing it every tuesday, I really liked his top-ten this week and figured i'd steal the idea (thanks Ronnie, props to you!). I do always wonder what people's most played music on their iTunes is, so I figured I'd start with my posting the top ten iTunes songs I've played most. I was kinda surprised by the list, its a mix of everything :)

Top Ten songs on my iTunes

10. 360 Degrees of You- SheDaisy

9. Beautiful One- Jeremy Camp

8. That's When I Love You- Phil Vassar

7. In Christ Alone- Geoff Moore

6. Everlasting God- Chris Tomlin

5. Your Love is Strong- Jon Foreman

4. Passenger Seat- SheDaisy

3. Amazing- Josh Kelley

2. Blessed be Your Name- Tree 63

1. The Way You Look Tonight- Fred Astaire

~Em

CF Wine Opener Event

Sunday I attended a first-time event for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation here in Orange County called the "CF Wine Opener". A wonderful night of wine tasting and gourmet food tasting :). Multiple restaurants and wineries in the area came out and showcased their food and wine for all to taste and enjoy! Plus, Brian Malarky from the tv show "Top Chef" came to do a live cooking demonstration- that was the highlight of the night :).

I had dear friends Dannah and Brynne working the event with me (though we got to enjoy the food and atmosphere so we had a blast). The event was filled with incredible people supporting Cystic Fibrosis and raised $15,000 all going towards Cystic Fibrosis Research!! Many thanks to those who worked hard to put this event on and to those attending and supporting the event, it was a huge success and tons of fun....here are a few pics of Dannah, Brynne and myself working and having fun together :)

~Em

Yo-ho, yo-ho, a pirates life for me....Brynne and I selling Pirates of the Carribean mugs :)
Love you, ladies!

Thankful for life

This year on Thanksgiving, I was able to spend the morning surfing at the beach! It was surprisingly warm, about 80 degrees so after taking at least 5 weeks off of surfing due to the swine flu I got up and headed west to enjoy the morning on the shore. The waves were nothing special, really small actually, but the sun was shining and my new long board (thanks Cesar!) was the perfect ride for the small 1-2 footers. 

As I sat on my board looking out at the horizon I was overcome with a thankfulness for life. I was reminded that this year on Thanksgiving no matter the circumstances I'm frustrated about or the questions I've been asking God for months, I am thankful for the fact that I had another Thanksgiving with my family and the gift of breathing in the fresh air that morning. I spent the day choosing to think of how blessed and how much I've been graced with- family, friends, a home, my 26 years of health, all that God has done to use CF for good in my life and my relationship with the Lord. I am truly thankful this weekend and praying and asking God to allow this verse to ring true in my life- that I would be shaped more into a woman of thanksgiving, remembering how much God has already given me.

Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. -1 Thessalonians 2:11 

~Em

Holiday Shopping for CF!

That's right....now through Christmas day, if you plan on buying a Christmas movie (made by Warner films) buy it at CVS Pharmacy. Each Christmas film bought there, CVS will give $5 to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation! See this article for more details :)

Can't believe it's the Christmas season!

~Em

Disneyland with the Family

Tuesday we spent the day as a family celebrating my mom's birthday! (See post below :).

We went to disneyland for a few hours and then off to dinner at Taps in Brea (yum!). Check out some pics....Happy Birthday, Mom! 

~Em

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is my wonderful mother's birthday! I won't share how old she is on this public blog, she might disown me, haha just kidding....But seriously, I want to share a little bit about my mom and her role in my life. I am so blessed to get to celebrate with her and my whole family later at Disneyland (I'll post some pics of that tomorrow).  I thank the Lord for giving me a mom like her- she has brought me through so much and I truly believe God placed her in my life, and in our family for many reasons.

My mom is a woman who is incredibly selfless and she gives of herself every moment.  I've heard many stories of families with children with CF and as I hear stories of mothers who are just like mine (selfless, encouraging, loving) and stories on the contrary of mothers who don't support their children, I can't help but be thankful for her sacrifice in my life. I am so lucky. When my parents had me, their first child, Cystic Fibrosis was furthest from their mind. I am sure they had dreamed that their child would be healthy, just like each parent dreams. When doctors told my parents the news, I know they went through a flood of emotions and thoughts. Just as any parent would experience, I'm sure it was one of the most difficult moments in life. But through it all, my mother, never, not once, let me feel like I was 'sick' or like I couldn't do anything. She was and still is my number one cheerleader- keeping me encouraged, keeping me focused on what's important, empowering me to embrace who I am and live my life well and loving me each step of the difficult road. She taught me to feel like I could do anything, that CF didn't need to control me mentally but that it was something I could live with and continue on with the dreams and plans I had for myself. She helped me dream and keep those dreams alive, and it's the greatest gift a mom could ever give. 

As I've grown up, my mom has graciously allowed me and taught me to take care of myself. I am glad she taught me to be independent and yet if I need help, she's the first one at my side.  At times when I feel alone or have felt overwhelmed, she is always there to help me pick myself up and work through it. Just these past three weeks, for example, she put down all of her work and responsibilities to take care of me. As I lay with 103 degree fever, she made sure I was eating and drinking and was right by my side when I was admitted to the hospital making sure I was comfortable...and makes sure that I stay on my toes playing cards ;). Each time I go through a hospital stay or a rough time with CF (Or not with CF) she is right there to encourage and love me through it all. She is a woman of wisdom and grace, someone I can go to in the midst of any part of life.

Happy Birthday, mom. You mean so much to me- more than this blog post, any birthday card and any speech could never express. You are an incredible example of someone who works hard, loves with each ounce of your being and is always hoping in the Lord for all things. You never give up and you sacrifice everything for your family. I thank God for you, for how He's brought you in my life and made you the strong, supportive, and loving woman that you are. Thanks for being my mom, my friend, and my encourager and my example of a Godly woman. 

I love you so much.

~Em

Swine-free is the way to be!

Here's a little update...bullet-point version style (Mostly because i'm so tired, I don't think I would make complete sentences!):

-I officially ended my IV meds this past weekend and pulled out my needle from my port on Saturday night! Praise the Lord, it feels good to be free!

-I am swine-flu free, no need to get the H1N1 shot, I've got plenty of antibodies to protect me.

-I am really wiped out, my stamina is low and I'm pretty sure my PFT numbers still aren't back to normal. I'll go back to clinic in 2 weeks to have a check-up...until then, I'm working out and working on getting my numbers back up.

-Went back to work today....so tired...but nice to be back...enough said :)

-Ready to surf? Not quite yet. Maybe after I don't get winded walking to my car after work. Hm.

-Appetite is back? Not yet....I'm working on it, it's slow but steady. My doc said the combo of meds I was on was pretty brutal, so even though my digestion is slowly getting better, my appetite is slow to return and it will once the meds get out of my system.

That's about it...stay away from swine-flu, peeps. It is a gnarly bug, I am blessed and grateful to be on the other side of it now :)

~Em

Update on Denise

For those of you praying, here is a little update I've received today through a friend...Praise God, all has gone extremely well. Denise went into surgery yesterday at 4pm and finished just after midnight. By today at 3pm (less than 24 hours post-surgery!!) she was breathing on her own without any tubes, and by 7pm tonight she was awake and eating some Jell-O :)!! She is still in the ICU but everything is going great.

What an incredible miracle and also a mind blowing thought...to think that just over 24 hours ago she was breathing with her lungs and now she is breathing with someone else's lungs??! I mean, wow. I know she's got a huge road of recovery to go, this is just one step of the mile long process. But, she is doing very well and to be awake and breathing without support is an amazing feat. Please keep her in your prayers and I'll make sure I keep updating. Thank you friends and CF Community. I know she would be blessed to know she is being lifted up by so many.

~Em

Praying for Denise

Right now, an old friend from my CF Camp days (back when we used to be able to go to camp) is getting a lung transplant! What an incredible miracle, a huge life change and a huge blessing. It's a huge surgery and huge recovery. Her name is Denise, and I ask you to join me in praying right now. Surgery is scheduled for 2pm at USC University Hospital.

If I could scan and upload an old photo of us, I would. But right now, please keep her in your prayers...

Thanks, friends.

~Em

Great Quote

Props to my friend Dannah for this fabulous quote....it had to be posted on the blog considering my recent encounter with swine flu:

"Swine flu is the Kanye West of infection diseases.....

everybody knows about it and loves to hate on it"

:)

~Em

First day out :)

Yesterday was my "first day out"! I know, sounds cheesy to blog about that, but for me it was a big deal. Instead of wearing sweats and a t-shirt I put on some 'real clothes', did my hair and actually drove my car to meet my friend Kim for lunch! We went to a new place in Fullerton which had excellent, fresh, homemade, healthy food called The Greenhouse Cafe (I highly recommend it if you're in the Fullerton, CA area). I'd like to go back there once my appetite is back and try many things on the menu! After that, we walked around some vintage shops in downtown Fullerton. It was a lovely afternoon :).

I was exhausted when I got back but it was well worth the outing to feel 'normal' again. I always go through the process of getting back into my life when I get out of the hospital. I balance my health care and a slow gradual adding of my normal life things- like driving, and hanging with friends. It's definitely a process....but a good one. I'm blessed to be out of the hospital and as I reflect on the last 2 weeks, I see the progress I've made. Two weeks ago, I could barely stand up I was so dizzy from the flu and lack of oxygen and now, I had a day out in Fullerton and each day gets better and better :).

~Em

So glad to be home

That's right...I am officially out of the hospital and home in my own house, sleeping in my own bed and eating homemade food! It's such an amazing feeling! I was discharged Saturday and after a discussion with my doctor we decided I would do another 7 days of IV meds just to make sure my body has fully kicked the infection in my lungs. I have two IV and one oral antibiotic that I'll continue for another week.

Because I spent the first 10 days or so of being sick fighting off the flu, my body still has some catching up to do to help fight this infection in my lungs. My lungs still aren't back to normal- my breathing still gets a little short and I'm getting tons of mucus out (which is a big sign that my lungs still aren't in the clear). Thankfully my flu IS gone (with sadly, the exception of my appetite's absence).  So, with another 7 days of IV meds plus home-cooked food some gradual exercise and my own bed, I'm hoping to be back up on my feet and rearing to go in my normal life very soon. 

I had no idea how much this swine flu took out of me I got until today, spending my first full day at home, all I wanted to do was sleep! I find that many times after I leave the hospital- though I am supposed to be resting, the hospital is not exactly the best environment for that. I am constantly interrupted, walked in on by doctors, nurses, interns, maintenance workers, you name it (if only they'd allow us to lock our doors....hmm...guess that would defeat the purpose of people taking care of you ;). Anyways, when I got to take a nap today without anybody walking in my room it was a beautiful feeling! 

This week, I plan on doing my very best to re-gain my strength and stamina and fully recover. And I am extremely glad to be doing it from home :). As I reflect tonight before doing my next dose of medication, I am so thankful for the incredible USC staff of docs and nurses who really took care of me and helped nurse me back from the pit of the swine flu. It was a huge blessing to have people managing my health care for me when I didn't have the energy or strength to do it. I am so thankful for the care I received the last 14 days and thankful to be home to finish up the healing process.

~Em

So cute

I'm not the kind of person that gets into halloween....but when I saw this random pic of a kid's costume, I couldn't help but post it :).  Not sure who it is, it was on the internet....but bravo for being creative and adorable!! Maybe someday, Lord willing, when I have my own kids I'll get to dress them up all cute!

~Em

A Simple Letter

Dear Food,

How I miss thee! Oh how I miss the joy of eating delicious appetizing food. Why can't I be hungry? Please start tasting good and settling happily in my stomach, I would greatly appreciate your cooperation in this matter.

Warmly,

Emily

ps. In case you didn't get it, I want my appetite back! I'm on day 14 of having this swine flu and my appetite has not returned....I'm ready to start wanting to eat again!

Sweet poster

Just a little fun for today :)

This poster was up in the elevators at USC....gotta love the Trojan man stomping in victory on the little germ sticking his tongue out! Way to fight on, Trojans!

Go USC :)

~Em

A tasty treat

I got a wonderful treat delivered by my dear friend Shelly and it hit the spot (and thats saying something since I still have very little appetite or desire to eat anything- so really, this was tasty!). Thanks Shelly, I loved every bite of the fresh organic, juicy, tasty berries and creamy tart- you can't find this in the hospital cafeteria ;).

~Em

Fridays and Saturdays

Friday and Saturday nights are the hardest times for me in the hospital. Whew. Now that I got that off my chest! But seriously, they are the hardest times because it's when I would normally be out with friends enjoying my weekend and knowing that everyone else is doing just that makes it hard. Sometimes I forget while I'm here that life goes on outside of the hospital- people still have jobs, hang out with friends and live normal lives. For me, as life comes to a halt, I battle feeling discouraged, frustrated and alone.  I find that the little things keep me going and God provides exactly what I need at exactly the right time and sometimes in the midst of discouragement all I have left is to trust that God knows what he's doing- knows why I'm here and what He's doing inside my heart as I am painfully growing and learning in the midst of a life in the hospital. Even when I don't understand, I know that God knows.

As I write this post (at 7:35pm, Saturday night) the Lord provided encouragement at exactly the right moment, I'm not kidding. In fact, I wasn't planning on putting this in my post- I thought it would be a post full of lamenting and frustration. But right now, as I look out my window here on the 6th floor, a medical helicopter is landing right above me bringing (most likely) life-saving organs to this hospital to save someone's life.  Oh the hope it brings. As the windows shake from the helicopter above, I am reminded that God is in control, God works miracles, God brings life and God takes life. This hospital is full of miracles, they perform life-saving surgeries and transplants here and as I watch this helicopter land I can't help but thank the Lord for his timing and for saving someone's life with a miracle. I feel a sense of trust that God is bringing life to someone and a sense of grief that someone's life had to end for this to happen. And I feel a sense of joy to be able to witness it (well at least the helicopter delivery part). What a gift of hope....a gift of life for someone....a gift of hope to remind me that God is always working and is my source of hope. I can't help but smile knowing what a miracle is taking place and knowing it's all in God's hands and knowing I'm in His hands too.

...Thank you Lord for bringing exactly what I needed on this Saturday night....

~Em

Oink Oink..swine flu it is!

That's right, just got the results from my H1N1 test that I took when I was admitted on Sunday. I officially have the swine flu which explains a lot of why I wasn't able to fight this off on my own! It explains why the flu attacked my CF as well and my body wasn't able to fight it off. I got an infection in my lungs so rapidly and so severely that I guess thats what happens when H1N1 interacts with CF.

 There's not much they can do now since I've had it for over a week, but mostly I'll just stay put in the hospital until I'm feeling better and the virus is mostly out of my system :). Glad to know the official results, just thought I'd share. Other than that, not much has changed- I am doing IV meds, doing my treatments, resting a ton and staying put. I still don't have much of an appetite, but I'm slowly eating and keeping things in my stomach, I'm gradually getting better :). Please continue to keep me in your prayers, I am so thankful to be getting good care here at USC!

~Em

The flu caught me...

I did my best to avoid this gnarly flu with hand sanitizer and crazy avoidance of sick people but alas, it caught up with me and last Thursday it hit me hard! I woke up that morning with a terrible cough and sinus headache and by that evening was burning up with a fever, chills and it only got worse from there :(. I fought hard all weekend (thanks to my mom who really took amazing care of me- homemade soup, making sure I drank water so I didn't get dehydrated, and helping me get through the terrible-ness that is the flu). My mom's a rockstar...

After fighting over the weekend by Sunday night it was clear that the flu had made its move into my lungs and I knew that an infection had kicked in. I wasn't able to sleep from coughing so much mucus out of my lungs and when I woke up with another high fever that morning I knew it was time to call my doc and get some help. I was admitted Sunday night and though I was reluctant to make the call, I thank the Lord for wisdom as when I got here my oxygen levels were way too low (I had too much stuff in my lungs to allow me to get enough O2). I knew once I saw those numbers that it was good for me to be here and I feel very peaceful knowing i'm in good hands. My fevers have gone away and now that I have some extra oxygen I am breathing better and making progress. I'm on IV antibiotics and working on getting rid of this gnarly lung infection....

Just wanted to update my blog readers, I'll keep posting to update but as of now, day 4 in the hospital, I am much more aware of what's going on. The first few days because I was so deprived of O2 I really don't remember or feel like I even comprehended that I was here. Now that I sit in my quiet room and reflect, I am overwhelmed with thankfulness to God for prompting me to be here. I don't know how to explain my thoughts right now with the exception of gratitude and peace. I feel peaceful that I am being taken care of and thankful God provides. 

More updates soon...

~Em

The big island of Hawaii!

I spent the week of labor day on the big island of Hawaii, I absolutely love it there. It was such a gift to spend the week taking care of my lungs, spending good time with my parents and enjoying the beauty all around the island. I actually noticed my lungs get better by the end of the week! It might possibly be my favorite of the islands...here are a few snapshots of our trip :)

~Em

We enjoyed many a sunset....

Hiked from the top of Pololu'u Valley...

...to the black sand beach below.... (And yes, back up again)

taught my dad how to stand-up paddle surf....
...in probably the most crystal clear water and cleanest beach i've ever seen....

yep....watched another sunset....

snorkeled....a lot....

...another one.......thanks Mom and Dad, it was a really wonderful trip....

Oh where has September gone??

Wow, the end of September already....what the heck?!

Since the month decided to get away from me and haven't updated my blog, here's a recap of my September in a nutshell... I'm back to work at the same community college, interpreting and walking around the hot campus (thank goodness its finally cooling down now, lets hope it stays like this!). I went to the Big Island of Hawaii with my folks over the week of Labor Day and LOVED every second of the Aloha environment, warm water and balmy air. It was an awesome time having my body be restored away from the fires in LA and rest, my lungs and soul were grateful (yes, I will post some pics :). Followed that with some sweet surfing time here in Cali before the warm water goes away and ending it with last weekend in Denver, Colorado for a quick 36 hour trip to celebrate with college friends for the wedding of a dear friend, Eddie Kim (congrats, Eddie!!).

Whew! What a month huh? Overall coming off summer its been hard to adjust back to life at work and in the normal routine. I had such an incredible summer with all that happened with Pipeline to a Cure, going to North Carolina and spending sweet time with friends. It feels weird to be back into a fall routine, but I am grateful to have a job and to be back in the swing of things now. Hope your fall has started out well, dear blog readers :)
~Em

Standing Firm

1 Corinthians 15:50-58
I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory.""Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

I don't 'preach' very often on this blog, but all that I do and share here is rooted in God whether I talk about it or not. This sermon about heaven and eternity really hit me so hard, I had to share. I have been thinking about these verses all week- about the promise of NEW life, a new body and an eternity in complete peace with God--just as we were intended to be. We will have perfect bodies, no pain, no struggle. Thank you, Lord, that you have overcome death so that we don't have to suffer any longer. I am encouraged to keep pressing on, standing firm, and trusting in the hope given through the Lord.
~Em

Pipeline Pics & Wrap Up....

Pipeline to a Cure, 2009, came and went and it was INCREDIBLE. Feel free to click on the label to see previous posts leading up to this one. The event was a huge success, and I'm sorry to my few and faithful blog readers for being so behind in sharing about it. This is going to be a long blog post (so much to share!!!) so get ready for some rambling, hehe :) The event was on July 18th, 2009, and it was an AMAZING night raising a total of $300,000 for Cystic Fibrosis Research!! We had 600 people in attendance at the Hyatt Regency in Huntington Beach, auctioned off some great trips and auction items, enjoyed an evening with Laird Hamilton and Dave Kalama as the hosts and got to hang out with various surf stars in attendance. It was a night to remember and for me, a night that has taken me over a month to really process and pray about because it was such a big night for me.

While yes, it's a dream come true to spend an evening with surf legends and stars, it is much deeper for me as I watch hundreds of people give their money, time and support to research that is so vital to the length and quality of my life with CF, it is one of the most humbling experiences I've ever had. Even now as I type this, tears form in my eyes because I think of the generosity and love that people poured out that night for me and many with CF....It was unreal and I am incredibly grateful.

I was the speaker that night so people not only got to know me, but got to know the REAL me as I felt God had led me to be open and honest about the depth of CF and it's affect on me not only physically but emotionally as well. As an adult with CF, I am truly grateful for the responsibility and joy it is to represent the CF community because as I stood up there and shared my heart for 15 minutes, I knew that the thousands with CF would be benefiting because they too, would be blessed with research from the money raised that night.

It's a night that is exciting and scary for me all at the same time because I talked about the good parts about being a spokesperson for this event (hanging with Laird and company ;) and the difficult parts about being an adult with CF- wondering what my future will hold, how long I will be healthy, will someone ever want to be in a relationship with a girl with CF??? Etc... It was a deep speech, something I had never done before. Last year's speech was filled with childhood memories, my love for surfing and my history as a woman with CF...and this year, I felt God call me to share more of my heart, and what's been happening this past year. And if you've been around on this blog much you've noticed that this past year has not been easy. I've spent more time in the hospital this year than previous years, and been faced with many decisions that come along with being an adult- how do I support myself financially (for example). Sharing this with 600 people was quite an experience and as soon as I stood up on that stage I KNEW that it was the presence of the holy spirit giving me words and courage to stand up there, it wasn't me. I was calm and ready, and my prayer is that my words ministered to the hearts of people there.

So as I reflect back (im sure more rambling will come), I am filled with gratitude and amazing memories of that night. I loved spending time at such a special night with my family and friends! I feel so much love from the 600 people around me that night and the support raised emotionally and financially has changed me. I feel blessed to be God's instrument and used for His glory, and I feel the joy of representing the CF community and knowing that my story is being used for good. I feel excitement in knowing that someday a cure for CF can be found and that I worked hard to see that happen, and most of all, I am thankful to God that I am alive to be a part of all this, I know it's in His plans for me to be here (gosh, this sounds like an oscar's speech ;).

Check out some pics from the night, and I'll probably be posting more random stories and thoughts as time goes on. This event has played such a huge role in growing me and changing me that I can't help but talk about it :)
~Em

Back on the grid!!

Hello!!!

I know, it's been a few weeks since I've posted but now that I'm back from a wonderful trip to the Outer Banks of NC I am glad to be back and I'll be catching up on the blog this next week or so :). For now, here are some great pics from a wonderful vacation with my family. We had a great time at the beach, I surfed a ton, we cooked some great meals and had some quality time to spend together. Since we don't see each other often (We all live across the US), it's nice to really be together for that time....and you can't beat such a beautiful place.
Enjoy the pics, and stay tuned for some more posts this week catching up on fun summer events :). Anyone been anywhere fun?
Much love!!
~Em

My family on the ferry ride...

The cousins....tan after 2 weeks :)

Hello, OBX!!

That's right...the fam and I are hitting the beach on Ocracoke Island for the next 2 weeks, its great! So if you don't hear from me, i'm here....just sitting on the beach and surfing a lot :). It feels great, I love the east coast :).

When I get back I'll get some pics from Pipeline up here, but until then- I'll be surfing!

Love to all!

~Em

Pipeline to a Cure, Tomorrow!

That's right...the event is finally here!

Pipeline to a Cure, 2009 is tomorrow night at the Hyatt Regency in Huntington Beach, CA. After many months of preparations it is here, I am very much looking forward to this evening where CF awareness will be raised and money will be raised to support research. (Tickets are still available to the event as well as to enter to win a Toyota Prius! See my previous post about that)

Join me tonight and tomorrow in praying for the evening- pray the evening will go smoothly, pray for the people attending, pray that the money raised will go towards great research and a cure for CF, and keep me in prayer as I will be speaking and sharing my life with the 600 people there.

Thanks, friends...can't wait to post some pictures and share some stories of this great night with you :)
~Em

Win a Toyota Prius & Support CF!

As a part of Pipeline to a Cure, this year, we have an amazing drawing to win a 2010 Toyota Prius!! It's brand new, gets 51 MPG and is fully loaded! I'd like to offer this to anyone here reading my blog that's looking to win a new car AND support Cystic Fibrosis in the process!!

Tickets to this drawing are only $100 which is a great deal for a new car :). The drawing is limited to only 600 tickets so everyone has a great shot. plus all this money goes directly to CF research. Check out our website for more information (Click on "Win A Prius" on the sidebar for more info about the drawing):www.pipelinetoacure.com

 If you are interested in buying a ticket for the drawing (you do not need to be present that night to win), please contact the CF Foundation Office in Orange County, CA at 714-938-1393 and just let them know you want to buy a ticket for the drawing. Or you can comment on this post and contact me, I have some forms you can fill out to enter the drawing!! 

Thanks, all for supporting Cystic Fibrosis!!

~Em

Hanging with my USC Team!

Back in May, the USC docs and CF team did a Great Strides walk for Cystic Fibrosis at the Rose Bowl in California! Check out some fun pics below, we were sporting the cardinal and gold, of course :)

~Em

Kim and I getting ready to walk...
My friend Aaron and I hanging out before the walk starts...sweet USC shirts :)
The group walking and celebrating that we had finished!

Workin' on my speech...

Yep, it's that time again...Pipeline to a Cure, 2009! See previous posts for details about it. I'm just chilling tonight, working on my speech so I thought i'd take a little breather and say hello on my blog :). As I am writing and thinking tonight about the support that is around me as I battle CF, I want to say thank you to everyone that does support me. You all are an incredible gift in my life, thank you- friends, family, and people I don't know for your constant prayers and love that help keep me going through the ups and downs of a life with CF.

Much love to you all! 

Ok...enough distractions, back to my speech! The event is just 3 weeks away!

~Em

Paddling with Dave Kalama

Last Saturday we did a "pre-event" to help generate some excitement and mainly awareness for Pipeline to a Cure coming up in just 4 weeks! So we hit up the back bay of Newport and thanks to the Newport Aquatic Center, we (the CF Foundation) were able to host an invite-only "Paddle with Dave Kalama" day! It was a blast and everyone invited was able to learn about Cystic Fibrosis and learn how to support our event coming up. We generated tons of interest, and about 60 people came to hear about Pipeline and CF, and many committed to be involved :). After sharing our story and our goals, the invitees were able to get primo paddle lessons with none other than legends Dave Kalama, Jeff Clark Mickey Munoz and Jericho Popplar. It was a GREAT day!

Thanks to everyone involved , it was a blast :). here are some pics from the event , props to my buddy Steve for volunteering to take these!
I love doing events like these :)
~Em
Off they go!
Tandem paddling with honoree, Mike Sullivan.
Kim, Dave Kalama and I :)
Rocking the new 10 ft paddle board.
Dave teaching lessons.
Meeting Jason Lezak, Olympic swimmer and hanging with Mickey Munoz!

Pipeline to a Cure 2009!!

That's right...year #2 of Pipeline to a Cure for Cystic Fibrosis is coming! It's only 1 month away, Saturday July 18th- I am stoked!!!

I'll be posting and sharing my perspective as things go along- but as always, I'd appreciate and love some prayer for this event and the people who will be attending. This is an amazing night to share about CF so I pray people will understand the disease and do their part in helping us fund research for a cure :).

Check out our new website!!
www.pipelinetoacure.com

~Em

A Day with Laird!

So, not much exciting has been happening lately...until now!!
I got to spend the day yesterday with Laird Hamilton, big wave, legend surfer. It was SO much fun! We had lunch and then headed out stand-up paddling in Malibu for an hour or so. I got private paddle lessons with Laird and even tried riding a wave in on the board- I was almost successful, haha ;).
It was a blast!!! I am getting excited for Pipeline to a Cure this year, it's going to be an AMAZING event. This was just the start of a fun summer ahead :)
~Em
The Malibu surf...a little cloudy outside but the swell was perfect :)
Pics of Laird and I...hmm..maybe I need a tan?

It's Summer!

Well...almost summer...If the California weather would cooperate and allow some sunshine through!!

I am getting back into my surfing groove and as of yesterday I hit Newport Beach and the water was so much warmer than last time I surfed (which is before I was in the hospital for 3 weeks!). It felt SO good to paddle around, catch whatever waves there were (it was quite choppy and messy, really poor conditions but I didn't care :). It made me excited for summer to officially hit- sunshine, good surf, and long days with the sunset not until the late evening!
~Em

A Weekend in Santa Cruz!

Two weekends ago (yes, it's taken me this long to update my blog...sorry folks...prepare yourself for an awesome but long story), I had an incredible opportunity to go to Santa Cruz with the Mauli-Ola Foundation to help put on a surf day for kids with CF in the Monterey/San Francisco/Santa Cruz area. It was an AMAZING weekend- my first weekend away from the hospital.

My dear friend Erin came with me and we enjoyed getting away from LA and the 6-hour drive up central California. We had a great time catching up- talking, and singing to some tunes, it was a really relaxing time. After arriving and meeting up with the other friends from the foundation who had made the trip also, we enjoyed our first evening in Santa Cruz with dinner on the pier (I'll post more pics once I get a copy of hers- I forgot my camera!). Brissa, Steve, Erin and I enjoyed a relaxing seafood (yum!) dinner and then got our sleep before waking up early on Saturday morning for the surf day...

Which was amazing! Our surf day ended up being a dream come true for me and many others who participated. We enjoyed a RARE 90 degree day on Cowell's Beach in Santa Cruz and had also a RARE 6 CF adults and 2 kids join us for the day. For me, it was a day filled with joy. I was able to get to know and spend time with CF adults which is not only rare but just doesn't happen in this day and age of CF. We are not 'supposed' to be around each other, due to infection control- but thanks to the grace of God and our extreme efforts to keep our coughs and germs to ourselves we enjoyed a day of pure blessing- talking, getting to know each other, swapping stories and just relating like none other. One of the best parts of the day (an un-expected gift) was the opportunity to reconnect with 2 dear friends Isa and Ana Stenzel- CF twins who I've known since I was 10 years old (see pics below). Isa and Ana have been such an encouragement and blessing in my life, they were my CF camp counselors back in the 90's and we lost touch shortly after camp. We haven't been able to reconnect until just this year and none of us could ever have dreamed we'd be SURFING together almost 15 years later!! God is so good!

We made some great connections and had a blast at the surf day- followed by lunch with the CF adults (following contact precautions of course) and dinner with the Mauli-Ola Foundation crew at a beautiful home in Santa Cruz! Erin and I drove home Sunday morning rejoicing over the relaxing weekend, fun stories, and rejoicing over the people we spent the weekend with.

I couldn't have asked for a more encouraging weekend. I spent the day with new and old friends- all of which we just knew each other's stories. You know that feeling when you can just be 100% yourself and it's so comfortable? It was just like that with people I just met that day. We had so much in common, it truly like being with family. The twins and I just picked up where we left off- we had so many stories to share, life to catch up on and we literally didn't stop talking for hours. It was so good for my soul to be with them. I am so thankful to have been out of the hospital and able to spend the weekend in Santa Cruz!! The CF community is an incredible group of people- I am blessed and priviledged to be a part of it and to be an adult in the small population of CF adults. I definitely hold the memories from this weekend so close to me and thank God for my new and old friends.
~Em

Isa and I next to a huge pelican on the wharf!

My dear friends Ana and Isa, we reunited after 15 years. This was their first day surfing!!

Getting ready to surf...

Lunch with my new friends :)