Five years and 42 million breaths later – An In-depth Catch-Up With Rob & Jen
A Couple’s Journey
It’s been a while since we’ve caught up with Rob and Jen Ronnenberg. In fact, the last time was more than a year ago. Cambridge Mask Co has enjoyed a special relationship with Rob and Jen – the couple discovered our products a few years ago and have not only used them but have also promoted them, with Jen having played a significant role in the design of our now famous 65Roses PRO mask.
Jennifer Ronnenberg was 28 years old when she was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. Prior to finding out what was actually ailing her, she had been under the impression that it was asthma that had plagued her health. Through a series of online searches, her at the time soon to be husband, Rob, found Cambridge Mask Co, requested the documentation to prove our certification, which we were happy to provide, and since then we’ve enjoyed a genuine friendship with the couple.
Just shy of 5 years ago, Jennifer underwent a double lung transplant due to complications from Cystic Fibrosis, and in our interview, offers Chris some insights into what life was like just before the big operation. In what can only be described as a series of constant challenges, Jen unpacks some key aspects of her life prior to the double lung transplant, touching on things such as daily 1 hour breathing exercises, medication, hospital treatments, infections, and dire oxygen levels, all culminating in up to 10 hours of her day spent treating and attending to her condition. It took 42 visits and tests over the course of 7 days to determine if her body and mind would be able to accept going through with the transplant and receiving the new set of lungs.
Rob’s recount of life before the operation is one of true dedication, and the manner in which he helped out is nothing short of amazing. He was and has been a rock in Jen’s life. Life for this couple subsequent to the operation has been one of joy and ongoing perseverance. They got to have and enjoy a wedding planned by a renowned planner and broadcast on a reality show. They honeymooned in Aruba and Jen went snorkelling for the very first time.
Our full interview touches on so many various aspects of this couple’s life and how they’ve dealt with the challenges of Cystic Fibrosis. This interview is now available to watch, filled with valuable insights. Find out about the various support structures that exist within the CF community such as Project CF Spouse and lots more.
A little something on the CF Universe
Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time. Cystic Fibrosis (CF) affects more than 30,000 people in the United States alone, including children and adults. In order to live with CF, a person must take medication every day, perform chest physical therapy twice a day, and follow a special diet. People living with Cystic Fibrosis are often not able to do the same things as others their age. This can be frustrating as very ordinary tasks, like having long conversations, come with the concern of catching an infection or having trouble breathing because of the disease.
Light at the end of the tunnel
The life of a person with CF is one of constant vigilance. This affliction causes both physical and emotional issues. However, it’s certainly not all doom and gloom, and these days there are many ways for people with CF to cope with the challenges that they face. There are many certified support groups which CF patients as well as their spouses or partners can attend – as made mention by Rob and Jen in our interview. Such support groups provide platforms on which those with CF can share their experiences and offer support to each other. In addition, medical breakthroughs are happening all the time as scientists, with the support of CF advocate groups, continue to pursue ways and means to provide treatment options that will bring CF patients closer to a life of normalcy.
