An 18-year-old high school senior, Mandie Rudd seems like a typical teenager, busy with sports, school, and hanging out with friends, but in addition to normal challenges of life, she deals daily with the chronic condition of cystic fibrosis (CF).

Mandie makes staying compliant and healthy a priority. Waking up early to squeeze in treatments and multi-tasking while doing medications are some tips she offers to other busy teenagers. Besides sticking to her medical routine, Mandie exercises to keep her lungs strong, playing on her high school volleyball, basketball and track team.

A firm believer in giving back to the community, Mandie and her sister Natalie, who also has CF, have participated in the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Great Strides®, a national run/walk that raises money for CF research, volunteered for Limbs of Hope, an organization which donates prosthetics to individuals in need, and is a Wish Ambassador for Make a Wish Foundation. As a Wish Ambassador, Mandie helps make wishes come true for children with life-threatening illnesses and was also a wish recipient, traveling to Thailand with her family to ride elephants and explore the jungle.

Mandie’s wish now, which she is very close to fulfilling, is going to college and working in the field of dentistry. Getting into the college of her choice has been her proudest accomplishment. Mandie’s advice to other teenagers with CF who want to go to college and pursue their interests is to be consistent and on track with their medical routines and to embrace CF as something that you just have to deal with. She describes CF as always running by her side, pushing her to train harder in sports and in pursuing her goals.

Heroes of Hope Living with CF recognizes individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) who live full and productive lives while managing their healthcare needs. To date, Heroes of Hope has honored nearly 50 outstanding individuals with CF in more than 35 states. Heroes of Hope recipients inspire others through their outstanding accomplishments, dedication to health maintenance and contributions to their communities.

Learn more about Mandie
Click here to access Mandie’s personal Heroes of Hope
Web page. www.heroesofhope.com