Sean Welch Goldberg June 2007
Sean Welch Goldberg, an energetic and gifted 12-year-old boy, tries to excels in all aspects of his life and has never let his chronic condition of cystic fibrosis (CF) stop him from consistently accomplishing excellence. Sean and his family, who live in Bristol, Connecticut, credit much of his good health to consistency in his medical regimen, daily physical activity and the attentiveness of his medical care team at his CF Center.
“Sean has already accomplished so much at such a young age through his strong determination, positive attitude and commitment to his health,” said Heroes of Hope Living with CF Panel Member and cystic fibrosis activist and advocate Lisa Yourman. “Despite all the difficulties that he faces with his health, Sean truly embodies his personal motto of ’never giving up,’ making him an incredible inspiration and a Hero to embodies his personal motto of ’never giving up,’ making him an incredible inspiration and a Hero to everyone around him.”
Having CF requires diligent adherence to a complicated pulmonary medical regimen, but Sean, who is mature beyond his years, takes it in stride. Sean’s parents admit that often Sean will be the one to remind them about his medicines. Each day Sean takes a wide variety of medications to keep his CF under control, including inhaled medications, antibiotics and pancreatic enzymes. He is very responsible and even takes along his special pill box on to sleepovers with his friends and other trips without being prompted by his mom and dad. The pill box, a clever and practical idea by his mother, is specially-designed to feature multiple compartments designating different medications for each times of the day. The pill box fosters both medical compliance and independence, helping Sean to remember on his own which medicines he still has left to take for the day. Sean, who is dedicated to living as well as possible with CF, recently enrolled in a clinical trial to test a CF medication in development.
Compliance to his medical routine is only part of how Sean keeps his lungs and body healthy. Sean also takes part in a number of athletic activities to keep him strong and fit. As recognition for his excellence in school gym class, he has even received the Governor’s Award for Physical Fitness.
Sean counts the sport karate as one of his favorite activities. He takes karate lessons six days a week, and vigorously trains to perfect his skills. He and his teammates on the GKS National Karate Team travel all over the country to participate in his karate competitions. Sean is currently ranked number one in the nation in his age group and has won numerous awards, including three first-place prizes and one second-place prize at the national 2007 Mohegan Sun National Karate Championships. Sean is also extremely proud to have recently earned his black belt in karate, which marks his tremendous achievement and dedication to the sport. Sean also participates in weekly weight training sessions to stay strong for karate and maintain his health.
In addition to excelling in sports, Sean is a top student in his sixth grade class and is committed to helping others. He is an honor student who counts science and social studies among his favorite subjects. Each week, he participates in a program called Book Buddy that pairs him with a younger elementary student, whom Sean enjoys helping to improve his reading comprehension and vocabulary skills. During Sean’s karate classes, he serves as a mentor to students ages three to six and teaches karate lessons. He also participated in a Children’s Miracle Network broadcast with the goal of showing other children with illnesses not to give up and to work hard to follow their dreams.
By giving back to his community and participating in activities he truly enjoys, Sean doesn’t waste his time feeling sorry for himself or indulging in negativity. For Sean, who has been diagnosed with CF since he was 7-days-old, his daily medications and therapy are just a normal part of his life. Through his commitments to staying healthy and bettering himself through sports and academics, Sean continues to thrive.
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.
