Making It Matter With Gunnar Esiason And Julia Rae

Julia and Gunnar talk about a major difference between their cases of cystic fibrosis. Gunnar, like most people with CF, is pancreatic insufficient, while Julia does have a healthy pancreas making their care options completely different. The topics range from Gunnar's feeding tube to precision medicine!

Flu season is here. Julia and I talk about our experiences with the Flu shot and how brave she was every time she walked into the doctor's office as a child. Also listen to us talk about the precautions we and how we approach a family or mass gathering when someone isn't feeling well.

Infection control, and cross infection are paramount issues for people with cystic fibrosis. In episode 8 of the Making it Matter podcast, Julia and I discuss the proper procedures we take to ensure our safety and that of other people with CF around us. Beyond that we discuss the complexities behind CNN's viral news article about the "real life 'Fault in Our Stars' couple.

Gunnar has been a bit under the weather for the past week, so he and Julia decided to podcast about what we do to stay busy when they are sick. They have very different coping strategies - Gunnar is all about the video games, and Julia more of a reader.. Let them know what you do when you're dealing with the tough CF days.

It's almost time to go back to school, so Julia and I shared our (wildly different) experiences going through school from elementary to college. Listen to us share tips for how cystic fibrosis families and students can prepare for the upcoming school year.

Julia and I discuss what we do to motivate ourselves through the good days and bad. It's perfect timing because Julia is feeling a bit under the weather! Hopefully she can bounce back soon.

Julia and I try to answer the age old question, “when should someone with cystic fibrosis transfer from pediatric to adult care?” I will say this… it is a good problem to have. Julia and I fall on opposite sides of the debate here. I made the change when I was 19, and Julia, now 24, is just beginning the switch

July 4th is less than a week away. Summer is officially here! Like anything else in a life with chronic illness, there’s always going to be some set of new challenges with the changing season. In episode 2 of Making it Matter, listen to Julia and I talk about the way we overcome issues like hydration, sun sensitivity, heat and anything else we can think of!

Julia, a recent graduate from Fordham University in New York City, shares her hopes for the future and how she plans to tackle any obstacles in her path. Gunnar shares his experience graduating from Boston College in 2013 and how his life changed in the months following.