Patti Prince
This month's Hero of Hope, Patti Prince, 28, faces the unique challenges of the chronic disease cystic fibrosis (CF) with determination and strength. Patti, who lives in New York with her husband and son, has a willingness to share her story, and offer support to others in similar situations, which makes her an inspiration to the CF community and beyond.
"Patti is a shining example of a Hero of Hope," says Ana Stenzel, Heroes of Hope Living with CF panel co-chair and CF patient. "Throughout her life she has shown resilience and determination to pursue her dreams. She has had to face difficult challenges in her life, but her positive attitude has brought her to where she is today. As a transplant recipient, she demonstrates compliance to her health regimen and gives back to the community with commendable mentorship of other CF patients facing the transplant journey. It is an honor to select Patti Prince as a Hero of Hope."
Stenzel recently had the opportunity to talk with Patti and learn more about her story.
Patti, will you please tell us briefly your history with CF?
I was diagnosed with CF when I was six months old. When I was in high school, my health declined steadily, and I later found out that I needed a double-lung and liver transplant. I received the transplants in early 2007 and though there have been some bumps in the road along the way, I am happier than ever and able to spend my time with family and friends.
Wow, you have been through a lot! How do you manage your own healthcare while taking care of your son, Brady?
Fortunately for me, I have a very supportive and hands-on husband, Nate, is who is true partner. When I'm not feeling great, he will take a personal day from work and stay home to take care of our four-year-old son, Brady. Also my mom and Nate's parents are great and always willing to help. When Brady is sick, I take extra precautions so he doesn't infect me, and sometimes I event wear a mask. We make a game out of it!
In your hardest moments, what motivates you to keep going?
Brady and Nate are my strongest motivations. Having a child to fight for has made me stay strong. I don't want Brady to grow up without a mommy, so even when I was the most sick, I did everything I could to fight. And I still do everything that I can to stay healthy post-transplant.
I know you are active in the CF community, particularly online. What do you share about your experience with CF?
I tell people who are considering transplant that, yes it was hard, and yes I had to work. But I gave myself the opportunity to be around for my family and friends. And there is no better gift I could have given myself!
What words of wisdom do you live by?
I believe the most important thing I can do is keep up with my treatments; they are essential for me to stay healthy for as long as possible. I would also like to emphasize that I do not let CF get in the way of my life because we are not human beings living in isolation. I do what I need to do to be healthy, and go out there and live my life!
Please note: The information contained in these Heroes of Hope™ Living with CF award recipient biographies is not regularly updated. This Hero was interviewed February 3, 2010. This information is representative only of the moment in time in which the Hero was interviewed.10400100
