I am Jessie...I am Strong!
Hi, my name is Jessie, I am 9 years old and I have CF.
When I was a baby I was really sick and had to have a bag on my belly and was in hospital quite a lot. As I grew up I started to understand about CF and all the medications that I have to take.
I went to day care with my Mum and made lots of friends. I began school and taught all of my friends about CF and they even reminded me to take my enzymes and salt.
When I was 4 my Mum and Dad thought it would be a good idea to start Gymnastics to improve my fitness. I straight away showed talent so I got chosen for a development team. I started at Level 1, and then jumped to Level 3 and I am now in Level 4. I train a lot through the week-14 hours! I have to wake up really early on a Thursday morning and start training from 6 am!
This year, I came first overall in my regional competition and ranked 7th at the State Club Championships. I have got over 36 ribbons, 10 medals and 2 trophies. I am really good at gymnastics and want to go to the Olympics one day. I have also just won the Most Outstanding Gymnast 2010 Development award at my gym.
Because I am so fit, I haven’t been into hospital for 2 ½ years and I only take antibiotic a couple of time a year, which is good because sometimes I find them hard to swallow!
Sometimes I feel angry that I have CF and that I have to take so many medications, but then I realise that I can eat as many lollies as I want and that makes me smile.
My friends don’t treat me any differently because I have got CF, they actually treat me more special because they take care of me and worry about me taking my medications. My friends at Gymnastics are the same-if they are sick, they don’t train and that makes me stay healthy and well.
I took a big step this year; I went away to Gym camp at Tallebudgera for 4 days. My Mum and Dad were really worried about me but I proved to them that I really can do anything! I even took all of my medications while I was away without anyone reminding me.
I thought that I would write this story with my Mum so that other children with CF know that it is ok to have CF and that your life can be fun and filled with laughter and happiness.
This is my mantra that I tell myself before any challenging moments I face-
I AM JESSIE….I AM STRONG!
Thank you for reading about me.
Jessie McKay
Photos - Adrenalin Photographics
