Carter & Higgins Orthodontics’ receptionist and treatment coordinator, Abbie, shares her story on cystic fibrosis. Learn how you can join Dr. Carter in supporting the mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
You may wonder why an orthodontic office would choose to post about Cystic Fibrosis. While orthodontics is the name of our game, we would like to take a moment to focus on another subject that is close to our hearts: Cystic Fibrosis.
Cystic Fibrosis, also known as CF, is “a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breath over time. In people with CF, a defective gene causes a thick, buildup of mucus in the lungs, pancreas and other organs. In the lungs, the mucus clogs the airways and traps bacteria leading to infections, extensive lung damage and eventually, respiratory failure. In the pancreas, the mucus prevents the release of digestive enzymes that allow the body to break down food and absorb vital nutrients.” -excerpt taken from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
While Dr. Carter and I have only known each other for two years, we have a connection that goes much further back. Lo Detrich was one of the most vibrant people you would ever encounter in your life. Her enthusiasm for life and living it to the fullest was second to none. She had an infectious laugh and a glow that came from within, making you want to stop whatever you were doing to just enjoy her for a minute. Lo was one of Dr. Carter and her husband’s dearest friends, and she stood by their side the day they got married. Lo was my cousin. Lo had Cystic Fibrosis.
When I think of the words “champion” or “hero”, the first person that comes to my mind has always been Lo. Lo was a hero in the way she lived her life. Even though she spent far too much of her life in the hospital, she considered herself no different from anyone else. She said, “I am just like everyone else. I only have today.” She made the best of every day and inspired many others to do the same. Lo championed efforts to find a cure for CF from the time she could walk by talking to thousands of people, writing hundreds of letters, and raising tens of thousands of dollars. CF claimed Lo’s life when she was only 28.
A little over a year ago, my sweet nephew, Owen George, was born. Within a week of his life, after running many tests, Owen was diagnosed with CF. This was crushing news to our family and friends. However, thanks to Dr. Carter, Lo, and so many others, the search for finding a cure for CF has never stopped. The torch has never been laid down. They have continued to raise funds and awareness, striving to beat this disease and find a cure.
Much has been discovered over the years. When Lo was diagnosed, researchers had no idea which gene was the cause of CF. I’ll never forget the day I overheard my mom rejoicing with her sister on the phone that the gene had been detected. Years ago, those with CF were not expected to live past the age of 18. Now, new medications are helping CF patients have a better quality of life and many are seeing the day they marry and have children of their own. There is so much hope for Owen and over 70,000 others living with CF today.
Dr. Carter will soon be honored by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at a special event recognizing outstanding young professionals in our community. In accepting this distinction, she has committed to raise money to help the Foundation realize its mission of controlling and curing CF. She set a goal to raise $4000 this year and has already surpassed it. However, she is not stopping there and would like to invite you to join her and help. For every new patient starting treatment from now until April 21, Dr. Carter will donate $100 to the Tulsa Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
