Jessika Lehr
Sponsor: Peppers.TV

Vermont
Courtney (Age 14)
Cystic Fibrosis

Life with cystic fibrosis is all Courtney of Clochester, VT, has known. Since being diagnosed at 9 months, she’s lived with the chronic lung infections and impaired digestion that the disease causes, as well as a number of complications like cirrhosis of the liver and asthma. She has four chest compressions every day, uses a compression vest, and had a g-tube replacement for malabsorption. But 14-year-old Courtney not only accepts her challenges with grace and distinction, she pushes past them to make life better for others like her.

Courtney’s put herself behind the cause to find a cure for cystic fibrosis—often, that’s meant putting herself in front of a camera. She was featured in a commercial with Vermont Children’s Hospital at Fletcher Allen Health Care’s chief of pediatrics as part of a thank-you presentation for the governor. When Courtney had the g-tube replacement, she and her mother made a video to use as a teaching tool by the hospital. She was also featured in a cystic fibrosis fundraising calendar and participates in the annual CF walk.

When it comes to major goals for the future, Courtney says she’s “waiting to grow up” before making any decisions. For the time being, she’s busy paving the way for a cure and a better way of life.