Risa Pine October 2008
As a 49-year-old woman with cystic fibrosis (CF), not a day goes by that Risa Pine doesn't savor and cherish every breath that she takes; the average lifespan of someone with CF is 37-years-old. While CF is a tough challenge to overcome, she continues to take on each day with determination and a zeal for what is next. Since her diagnosis of CF at age 2, she has not stopped inspiring others to do more, reach higher and not let obstacles get in the way of fulfilling their dreams.
What continues to keep Risa motivated, even after the stress of two double lung transplants, one in 1996 and one in 2005, is her passion for her web site, TransplantBuddies.org. Founded in 1999, TransplantBuddies.org provides information about the transplant process, resources about commonly prescribed drugs for transplant recipients, information about the drugs' side effects, and discussions about living life as a transplant patient. The gratitude she receives from members is what fuels her passion. With over 2000 members worldwide, Risa has been able to truly be a hero of hope to those in both the CF and transplant communities.
Risa grew up in a time when the treatments for cystic fibrosis were still very limited. She remembers sleeping in a mist tent, which was believed to help clear the lungs of sticky mucus, every night until she was 11-years-old. Regardless of the treatment options, she was dedicated, with the help of her parents, from the very start to taking the utmost care of herself.
"Taking care of my CF always comes first. I know that this will enable me to do all the things I want to do in life and will help me to live longer," said Risa. "My state of mind affects the health of my body, so I need to create a positive environment in my life so I can continue to enjoy all the things I'm passionate about."
In order to keep up her strength and be supportive to those on TransplantBuddies.org, whom she refers to as her extended family, Risa first turns to her own care. To stay healthy and positive, Risa enjoys pilates, yoga, meditation, free weights, working out on her elliptical machine and long walks during which she can soak in the warm Florida weather. She is also very dedicated to her medical routine, which includes irrigating her sinuses several times a day, taking her transplant medications and vitamins.
"Our October Hero of Hope, Risa Pine, is truly an example of someone who has thrived against adversity. Not only has she met the challenges of living with CF, but she has also experienced the adversity of going through a double lung transplant, not only once, but twice, said Stacy VandenBranden, a Hero of Hope Panelist and nurse practitioner. "She has demonstrated clearly that through hard work, determination and an enthusiasm for life that nearly anything is possible."
Risa wants to remind others with CF that there is always hope. After 49 years of fighting she will never give up hope and is driven by her optimism everyday. Her husband Cary continues to be a great source of joy in her life, which helps her to take each day as it comes. Risa is an inspiration to those in the CF community through her eternal optimism and determination to make every day count.
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.
