Amanda Van Vleet February 2007
Whether they are dancing, playing sports, creating art or hanging out with friends and family, Amanda and Brittany Van Vleet appear to be active, typical little girls. However, life has been a constant battle for these twins since they were both diagnosed with CF at almost four-years-old, much older than the age of a typical CF diagnosis. After their parents, Loralee and Dan Van Vleet, noticed that their beautiful blonde daughters were small and not growing properly, they sought advice from various medical professionals to help determine the reason. After several agonizing years of misdiagnoses, the Van Vleets finally learned the answer to the question that had been plaguing them for years ??? Amanda and Brittany both had CF.
In the year following their diagnoses, Amanda and Brittany were hospitalized several times for respiratory and other health problems. Their CF medical care continues to be time consuming, including frequent hospitalizations and time spent doing CF medical treatments. Despite the tremendous challenges they face, the entire Van Vleet family has adopted a positive mindset and possesses an enthusiasm that enables them to live their lives to the fullest.
“Having CF is a life-long challenge, but sometimes with the obstacles of this genetic disorder comes the gift of being able to share its joys and sorrows with another sibling or an identical twin,” said Isabel Stenzel Byrnes, Heroes of Hope Living with CF Advisory Panel Co-Chair and twin sister to Anabel Stenzel, both of whom have CF. “We know first-hand of that experience, and consider it a privilege to know Amanda and Brittany, twins from a younger generation, who also share that experience in their own way. Although individuals, Amanda and Brittany will continue to thrive together based on their mutual support and the support of their family,” said Anabel Stenzel, who is also a Heroes of Hope Living with CF Advisory Panel Co-Chair.
Even at the young age of seven, Amanda and Brittany fully understand the importance of following a strict daily CF medical regimen combined with an active lifestyle and nutritious diet. According to Loralee, Amanda and Brittany have never missed a medical treatment and she attributes much of their improved health over the years to their diligent efforts. Their complex medical routine includes chest physical therapy, inhaled medications, antibiotics, nightly supplemental feeding and digestive enzymes. The girls also enjoy swimming, ballet and tap dancing in order to keep their lungs, bodies and minds strong.
The girls' CF center physician and nominator for the Heroes of Hope Living with CF award, Susanna McColley, M.D., believes that Amanda and Brittany are an inspiration to all people, including each other. “Their positive attitudes and drive to be the best they can be only reinforce and strengthen their bond. Amanda and Brittany have taken CF in stride and continue to live life fully and energetically like normal children.”
When Amanda and Brittany are not in the pool or dancing in the studio, they serve as role models to others in their community through speaking at the local high school and participating in interviews with local newspapers to increase CF awareness. They are proud to have donated their artwork to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, most recently contributing painted medallions for the CF Foundation's "Bid for Cure" event. Through the Van Vleet family's participation in CF fundraising events such as the CF Foundation's annual Great Strides events with their group, the "Van Vleet Fleet," and Amanda and Brittany singing at the "Uncork the Cure" fundraiser, the girls have helped raise more than $200,000 for the CF Foundation. Their dedication to increasing CF awareness and raising money for CF research serve as constant reminders to everyone who knows them that anyone, at any age, can help make a difference.
Please note: The information contained these Heroes of Hope Living with CF award recipient biographies are not regularly updated. The information only represents the point in time when the Heroes of Hope recipient was honored.
