Thunderbolt

On Wednesday, Jacob put up the bravest Instagram post I’ve ever seen from him. In it, he talked about how cystic fibrosis has not only affected his physical health, but his mental health. This took courage because this young man is only 17. Throughout the years, he’s struggled with what it’s like to have CF, and what it MEANS to CF. So much of his life has been defined by being Jacob Malchus, the son, the cousin, the best friend, that boy in school or church who has CF, he wondered what it would mean not to have something that has been a part of him for his entire life, even though it’s a chronic illness. That’s a pretty tough question, one that most adults would have difficulty answering, let alone a teenager. Being his father, I’ve witnessed Jacob’s struggles first hand. I’ve lost count the number of times I wished I could reach in and remove CF from his body. It’s every parent’s dream that their child stays healthy. On their way home from...

Cystic fibrosis has been in the collective conscious this year.  A recent contestant on American Idol has CF; Salt in My Soul , a heart wrenching posthumous memoir from CF’er Mallory Smith, was released to universal acclaim, and Five Feet Apart , a mainstream Hollywood feature film tackling the illness was not only a critical success, but a box office hit. More and more people are becoming aware of cystic fibrosis and asking, “What can I do to help?” This year’s Great Strides is a mere two weeks away. As with every year in the past 17 of Jacob’s life, I’m reaching out for your help. This past year has been Jacob’s most challenging yet. Three stays in the hospital resulting in pic lines for at-home antibiotic treatments, and just recently a surgery to have a feeding tube placed in his stomach for supplemental nourishment. Throughout ever challenge he faces, Jacob continues to maintain his humor and positive outlook. And throughout it all, Jacob’s sister, Sop...

This dog... ❤️🙁