Andy Lipman
Founder, CF Warrior Project
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your experience with CF?
I was born with cystic fibrosis in September 1973. My family and I founded the Wish for Wendy Foundation in memory of my older sister, who died from CF after only 16 days of life. The foundation has contributed almost $5 million to help raise awareness for CF and fund research for a cure. I have also written 5 books on CF, the most recent one being The CF Warrior Project Volume 2: Celebrating Our CF Community. It is really a love letter to the CF community. All profits from it go back to CF-related charities.
How has CF impacted your daily life, and what challenges have you faced because of it?
I do two hours of treatments a day and take 50 pills per day. I am high-risk, so obviously, that played a role during the pandemic. I also had to be more cautious than my peers since I was a little boy. Exercise is not just something I do. It’s something I can’t live without.
What do you hope to achieve through the CF Warrior Project?
I hope to raise awareness for the cause and bring hope to those who battle the disease and also to those who advocate for the cause.
What advice would you give to someone who has just been diagnosed with CF?
I would tell that person that “If you’re going to have CF, this is the best time to have it.” I say that because of all the breakthrough drugs, including CFTR modulators, that are making a huge difference for approximately 90% of the CF population.
What is your message to others who are living with CF or are affected by it in some way?
My message is to take one day at a time and don’t let your dreams take a backseat. Anything is possible.
