Check out the newest Hero of Hope who is a fellow runner! Go ahead girl!!!

Alysoune Coleman

Alysoune Coleman is an active, outgoing 13-year-old from Arizona who enjoys the outdoors and loves athletics. Despite living with the chronic illness cystic fibrosis (CF), Alysoune approaches life with a positive attitude and a smile. Dr. Joan DeCelie-Germana, director of the Cystic Fibrosis Center at Schneider Children’s Hospital in New Hyde Park, New York recently had the opportunity to chat with Alysoune and learn more about this inspirational Hero.

I know you are a really active junior-high student. What are some of the things you like to do?

I am in my third year of running track, and I love it! I run with a track club called the AZ Flames and recently achieved my personal best time in the 800 meter event. I also like to play soccer and tennis and enjoy playing the piano.

How do you balance your busy schedule while still maintaining your health?

Staying on top of my medications is definitely a priority, and I get up early every morning to do my breathing treatments before school. With all my activities, I was having some trouble keeping my weight up. So my doctor had a G-tube put in and that has helped me a lot. I also have diabetes, so I make sure to keep an eye on my blood sugar, especially during sports when it tends to fluctuate.

What motivates you when things get a little tough?

I just tell myself that if do my best every day, that is all that I can do. My attitude can help change how I see the tough stuff in life.

You have such a great attitude! How do you stay so positive?

My family has taught me that nothing comes quickly and easily in life, and anything worth wanting is worth working for. Everyone in my family is so positive in this way that it makes me want to give 100 percent all of the time. And on the rare occasion that I do feel a bit down, my parents will do something silly to make me smile. How can I be sad with a house of fun, crazy people trying to make me laugh?

What would you tell other people your age with CF?

Everyone should be involved in something they enjoy! Just because you have CF doesn’t mean that you have to sit at home and be closed off. I love playing sports and they give me a goal to work toward, which has helped me understand my health maintenance routine in the bigger picture.

Please check out past Heroes and also Nominate your own CF Hero here!

Rock CF,

Em