Buy All the Hand Sanitizer If You Must, But Don't Forget to LIVE!: My thoughts on coronavirus and Cystic Fibrosis
On March 4, 2020, I celebrated my 42 nd birthday. That day also seemed to mark the height of the fear of the coronavirus in the U.S. to that point. The news headlines included stories about the shortage of hand sanitizer and medical grade masks. My husband, Steve, who runs a porta potty business (insert laughter here), is required by state regulation to provide hand sanitizer in his units. As I reflected on growing another year older yesterday, I also had multiple discussions with him on where to find large quantities of hand sanitizer. Everywhere is sold out. Steve remarked, “maybe we’ll just make our own!” The sudden vigilance that has gripped our country is not new to me. I have been vigilant since December 4, 2003 when I learned that my first born, 4-month-old son, Alex, has Cystic Fibrosis. What is Cystic Fibrosis? Cystic Fibrosis or CF is a life-shortening, genetic illness that affects, primarily, the lungs, pancreas, and sweat glands. That’s the short definition. The lo