One month's empty boxes of medication to control symptoms of cystic fibrosis (CF)

Empty boxes of medication, representing one month's medication taken by Sammie Read to control her symptoms of cystic fibrosis (CF), taken during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020

“CF has made me who I am. Because of it I appreciate every day and take nothing for granted.. I live life to the max, with a balance of healthy eating, exercise, and sleep, but laughter has helped me along the way, too. “ Sammie

Sammie was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF) when she was two years old. It is caused by genetic mutations and expresses itself differently in each person. CF affects all parts of the body, especially the lungs, pancreas, reproductive organs, and digestive system. For Sammie, this means sometimes struggling to put on weight, regular chest infections, CF- related diabetes, and relentless hospital appointments. Sammie manages her condition with diet, exercise, and sleep, balancing her work and family life.

This one month’s medication includes antibiotics to prevent and treat infection, digestive enzymes to help Sammie’s body break down food, steroids to treat infections and allergies and antacids to reduce excess acid caused by some medications.By exercising Sammie clears mucus from her lungs, while improving her lung capacity and the strength of her heart. Building muscle helps her to maintain her weight, something that diet alone cannot do. The thick mucus created in her body prevents her from absorbing enough nutrients from food.

Managing the symptoms of CF, with its complex medication and diet regime, can be stressful. To help her relax, Sammie sews, bakes and crochets for her home, friends and family. She shares her passion with a local craft group.

Sammie was one of the people advised by the United Kingdom government to shield after being categorised as “clinically extremely vulnerable” due to her CF. For people at higher risk of developing coronavirus and of developing complications if they contracted for the virus, the pandemic brought additional challenges to managing their health and their lives. Routine appointments either happened virtually or were set up to be as socially distanced as possible.