Being diagnosed with a chronic disease is a life-changing event. During this period, life is not only difficult for the patient, but also for their loved ones. Families must learn to cope together and find the best options for the patient and the rest of the family. Although it may sometimes not be fair, it may be necessary to keep things focused on or around the patient, whatever the circumstances. (Abbott, 2003) Sacrifices may have to be made in difficult times. Many factors come into play when dealing with chronic illnesses. Coping with chronic illnesses changes many different emotions in patients and their loved ones. Many changes occur, very different and difficult to get used to. (Abbott, 2003) It's not easy for someone to empathize with you when they haven't been in that situation themselves. No matter how many books they read or how many people they talk to, they can't understand. In addition to problems related to chronic illnesses themselves, many other problems can arise. Treatments and medications are only the beginning of disease-related problems. With cystic fibrosis, you start with a high number of medications and treatments. The older you get and the worse your condition gets, the more you take. (“Psychological impact”, nd) Many difficulties accompany taking these medications and treatments. When children are first diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, they are usually very young. From the beginning, many medications and treatments had to be taken and applied. Sometimes trying to convince children to take medications and treatments is like pulling teeth. Cystic fibrosis medications are extremely important. If CF patients miss their meds... middle of paper ... This will be my first year walking in the Great Strides event for Cystic Fibrosis at the Cleveland Zoo. To walk, you must commit to a certain amount of money for the walk. I am very excited to participate in this walk and look forward to finding more ways to fight cystic fibrosis and other chronic diseases. Works Cited - Abbott, J. (2003). Coping with cystic fibrosis. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, Volume 96 (Issue 43), 42-48.-Psychosocial Impact. (nd). Retrieved from http://www.cysticfibrosis.org/uk/about-cf/living-with-cystic-fibrosis/psychosocial-impact.aspx. -Rothenberg, L. (2004). Breathing for a Living: A Memoir. New York, New York: Hyperion.-Withers, A. (2012). Management issues for adolescents with cystic fibrosis. Retrieved from http://www.hindawi.com/journals/pm/2012/134132/.