What if every milestone your child was supposed to reach came with countless curve balls? For Alexis Kaplan, motherhood quickly turned into a journey of advocacy, strength, and unwavering love as she navigated her daughter Gabby’s complex and rare health conditions....
Episode 155 | Travis’ Story – A daughter with Cystic Fibrosis
Podcast Show Notes
Travis shares how they discovered his daughter’s cystic fibrosis diagnosis at age 4. Just months earlier, Travis learned his half sister was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. He shares how the journey impacted his life on a professional and personal level creating the foundation, Piper’s Angels to help support families dealing with a Cystic Fibrosis diagnosis.
[3:50] Introductions
[6:43] Showing signs of respiratory issues
[8:11] Chest X-Ray to determine the cause of the Cystic Fibrosis
[8:37] Adamant state of denial
[9:16] The earth-shattering news of the Cystic Fibrosis diagnosis
[11:06] Oldest half sister was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis months before
[13:00] Prescreening for Cystic Fibrosis
[14:22] Gene expression can create varied symptoms
[15:32] Travis and sister have mild Cystic Fibrosis system
[18:25 Learning how to advocate started with becoming apart of the CF community
[18:44] Piper became very sick around age 8
[20:36] Roller coaster of having a child with a chronic illness
[22:44] Creation of Piper’s Angels
[25:14] Being vulnerable
[27:00] Adversity is the starting line for courage
[28:50] Growth is the hearts expansion
[30:40] Piper’s Angels
[33:10] Scholarships available for Saltwater Camps for CF patients
[34:10] Mindfulness activities
[36:15] Paddling contest annually
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