Astra Waller August 2009
Astra Waller, 18, recently graduated from high school and, like many of her peers, is looking forward to starting college. Unlike most of her peers, however, Astra has the genetic disease cystic fibrosis (CF) that requires her to maintain a strict medical routine, often taking several hours a day. Astra has inspired many with her positive attitude and dedication to both dance and to her health. We’ve sat her down and found out a little bit more about Astra.
Tell us a little about yourself, Astra?
I’m 18-years-old and was diagnosed at birth with CF. My parents, two older sisters and younger brother, who also has CF, are my biggest supporters and cheerleaders.
Tell us a little about yourself, Astra?
I’m 18-years-old and was diagnosed at birth with CF. My parents, two older sisters and younger brother, who also has CF, are my biggest supporters and cheerleaders.
Can you describe a typical day in your life?
My typical day includes my medical routine of airway clearance, chest percussion therapy and oral medications. I also drink high calorie shakes to maintain proper nutrition and exercise to help keep my lung function up and my body feeling good. Dance is also a major part of my daily life and I was a member of my high school’s prestigious drill team all three years. We were champions on the state and national level. I knew it was important that I stayed healthy in order to keep dancing, so I was really strict with adhering to my medical routine. I often woke up at 4:30 in the morning to complete my treatments before heading to practice.
Can you tell us about the recent honor that you received in your school?
There was a new award created at my high school in honor of a teacher who recently passed away of Lou Gehrig’s disease. It is awarded to the Most Inspirational Athlete of the Year, someone who is outstanding academically and athletically, and I was honored to be the first ever recipient.
Congratulations on graduation! What are your future plans?
I’ll be attending college in the fall, which is super exciting but also a little stressful. I am looking forward to extracurricular activities, especially attending football games with friends. Design has always been really interesting to me, especially the structure of houses and floor plans, so I’m looking at architecture as a major. As someone with CF, I think the biggest challenge in college for me will be to find balance and not overwhelm myself with schoolwork and socializing; but I know it’s important to stick to a schedule and do my medical treatments first thing before anything else can get in the way.
What words of advice would you offer other patients with CF?
Stay positive and keep fighting. Never give up. The stronger you fight, the stronger mentally you are going to be in the end.
Please note: The information contained in these Heroes of Hope™ Living with CF award recipient biographies is not regularly updated. The information only represents the point in time when the Heroes of Hope recipient was honored.
