Peer Support Program
Our Peer Support Program was set up in 1995 in response to a survey of our members which indicated strong support for such a program. Its aim is to provide support, motivation and encouragement to young people with CF. The program is based on the principle that young people learn a lot from their peers who share similar experiences.
Peer Support Leaders are adults with Cystic Fibrosis who have been trained to provide support on a one-to-one basis and recognise the variety of stresses/issues involved in living with CF. New Peer Support Leaders have recently been trained by Lifeline Sydney and are keen to provide support to younger people with CF who would like to talk to an adult with CF. Issues may include coping with school/work/study and treatment, changing from a paediatric to adult hospital, being teased because of CF, telling people about CF etc.
Please contact us if you would like to speak to or become a Peer Support Leader.
A few of our Peer Support Leaders:
Stephanie McWhirter
I have to admit that writing about myself, especially with an emphasis on CF is quite a challenge because CF certainly isn’t the focus of my life. I have always had the twice-daily percussion physiotherapy sessions, eaten lots of food and exercised lots, but that has always seemed normal to me! The normality of CF and treatment was always made easier by having an older brother who also had CF. Heartbreakingly, he passed away almost five years ago. The loss of my brother changed not only my outlook on the illness but also on life. To me, health and happiness are priceless and have become priorities in my life.
To this day, as a 23 year old, I have completed a Bachelor of Medical Science, and most recently a Master of Physiotherapy making me a qualified physiotherapist (of all things I hear you say!). I have danced on the Sydney Opera House stage on a number of occasions after being a National Finalist for BJP Physical Culture. I am a keen swimmer and more recently a runner and have aspirations of learning to surf and to run in this year’s City to Surf. I also hope to travel and work in Europe with my boyfriend next year.
I guess as I get older, some aspects of CF become easier to handle whilst others become more challenging. The key for me is to get on with life, but never ignore what your body (or your Doctor!) is telling you.
Peter Oxford
As a 34 year old adult with CF, my experiences of living with CF are broad. From hospital admissions to travelling, and also running my own production company. I began dancing at the age of 4 years old and have trained in all areas of dance including acrobatics and ballroom dance. Having dealt with children and teenagers (and of course parents) with my work I feel that I have the ability to listen and offer support to anyone who requires it.Being born with Cystic Fibrosis you are set with challenges already. These challenges may never stop for some. I actually thrive on them, as it makes a dull day turn out to be a fun adventure. A challenge can create energy and help you to thrive on life itself.
If you would like to know more about Peter and his achievements, you can view his web-site at www.showcasedance.com
Jeff Ruitenbach
At 41, and growing up with Cystic Fibrosis, my life has seen a lot of issues and concerns.
CF is part of my life; I work part-time after being in fulltime employment for 12 years. I’m a social kind of guy and have coped well and have endured a lot of pain, laughter and decisions.
During my teen years when I was at school I had concerns how my school peers would view my intake of medications and absence from school to go to clinic appointments or hospitalisations during school terms. I had times when I refused to take medications out of fear of school mates calling me “Druggo”. I was also concerned about the effect my CF would have on employment after I left school plus relationships with someone you dearly liked were at times challenging. (I still haven’t found what I’m looking for).
As I have moved from two different clinics myself, I am well versed in how transition from kids to adult clinics can be and how it can give you that insecure feeling. I too looked up to older CF Peers when I was younger; this gave me some hope and vision for my own well being.
I think the Cystic Fibrosis Peer Support Program is valuable for those seeking understanding of issues of most concern to them.
