The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has released more details about NextBreath 2023. Here are some excerpts from the Foundation.
NextBreath is an online two-day event for people with CF who are living with established lung disease or experiencing lung health complications, and/or living post lung transplant, as well as their family members and caregivers, to find support and engage with peers who understand in an inclusive and compassionate setting.
This year’s free, online event takes place on June 13 and 14. Day one will focus on the experiences of those who are living with Advanced CF Lung Disease or have 40% or less lung function. Day two will center on post-lung transplant life, whether it’s been 10 months or 10 years post-transplant. Members of the CF community ages 16 and older and their families will have an opportunity to connect with peers in small group discussions, share with and learn from others, and hear from CF community members who ‘just get it’.
Each day’s program has a specific focus described as follows:
Day 1: The loss of physical abilities, the retention of resilience
Join others on day one of NextBreath who are dealing with the loss of lung function, reduced capacity for physical activity, endurance, and struggling to live the life you want. Struggling with your lung health puts a strain on your mental health, your relationships, and your willpower. Through a series of small group discussions, panels, and 1-on-1 networking opportunities, attendees will hear perspectives from individuals who have, and are experiencing, these challenges, as well as share how they are coping and seeing hope for the future.
Day 2: The second half of the journey: Navigating Life Post-Lung Transplant
You’ve been waiting months or years for a lung transplant and it’s finally here! But wait, there’s even more changes to your health than you were expecting. On day two of NextBreath, explore the holistic transformation that comes from a lung transplant including mental, physical, and emotional adjustments. Through a series of small group discussions, panels, and 1-on-1 networking opportunities, attendees will learn about topics such as post-transplant care, managing medications, maintaining physical and emotional health, and discuss strategies for living a healthy and fulfilling life post-transplant.
Details about each day’s sessions are available on the CFF NextBreath 2023 page. The page also has a link to the event registration.