A lasting impact
When Joseph, 32 from Belfast, received the news that he was eligible for a Special Day, he didn't realise just how special it would be...
"I was three years old when I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. Growing up I didn't know any different, my daily exercises and regular hospital visits became part of my normal routine. It’s a genetic condition so my sister has cystic fibrosis too - it’s really hard for the whole family, especially for parents to know both their children are living with this life shortening disease. Although medical research means that life expectancy is rising, I still try to make the most of all the time I have.
My fiancé and I had a terrible year when our third but only positive IVF cycle resulted in a miscarriage. Although cystic fibrosis is a lung condition it effects a lot of other things, including fertility. We both struggled with the loss and Christmas was really tough on us. But shortly after, we received the brilliant news that I was eligible for a Special Day.
This helped me and my partner to have a new focus and we allowed ourselves to get excited about life again. We started to look forward to the future for the first time in a while."