Mel Kotlyar’s story reminds us that every step taken in cystic fibrosis research brings us closer to a future with new possibilities.

Full transcript:

“Day to day, I have to really manage my energy level and be conscious of where my energy goes, because I only have so much before I need to take a nap. Or, before every meal, I take enzymes. I have to be very conscious of my lungs and how they’re doing, being very aware of when I don’t feel good, um, to take a break and know that’s okay. So it affects me day by day, uh, every moment of the day, from when I wake up and start coughing to when I go to bed and I’m still coughing. Every day. You know, I have to consciously choose that I’m going to get through the day, and it’s difficult. You know, there’s some days where I just want to sleep in and throw in the towel, but I have a very good support system and loved ones who keep me going strong.

“That on average I have a shorter amount of time to live than the average person also motivates me and pushes me to say, okay, what can I get done in this amount of time that I have left on Earth? What are the meaningful things, how can I leave an impact, and how can I help others?”