I love sharing exceptional, inspiring young people. I came across the story of Bryan Warnecke while searching YouTube for the video to the new One Republic single "I Lived". I'd heard the song on the radio and loved the lyrics, but I had no idea how inspiring the video would be.
Bryan was born 15 years ago with Cystic Fibrosis, an inherited, genetic condition that ravages the lungs and digestive system. The disease is merciless, and the current life expectancy is only 36 years. Bryan says that he feels like he's breathing through a straw all the time.
Despite taking 40-50 pills and enduring two breathing treatments a day, Bryan hasn't let his disease slow him down. He skis, plays goalie for his state-champion hockey team, and is a long distance cyclist. So far, his cycling team has ridden 1200 miles and raised $300,000 for Cystic Fibrosis research.
When Bryan gets to the end of his life, he wants to know that he lived.
Cystic Fibrosis research is very close to our hearts. My husband's best friend since kindergarten died from the disease at the young age of 25. We still miss him every day.
I hope you will have the time to watch the video for "I Lived" - I promise it's worth your time. Bryan's story as told in the video is beautiful, and is such a powerful reminder to all of us to take our years on this earth and make sure that when we get to the end, we can say I lived.
That was great. TFS.
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Suzanne
Thanks for reading!
DeleteInspiring! Thanks so much for sharing! Teresa from NanaHood
ReplyDeleteI thought he was pretty special and deserved to be shared!
DeleteGod bless his sweet soul.
ReplyDeleteI know, I just want to give him a big hug.
DeleteCystic fibrosis or not .... what an inspiration this young man is to all of us. Thanks so much for sharing this Lana! I bet your husband and his friend did a lot of fun things in the length of their friendship... so sad that it had to end too soon.
ReplyDeleteTrust me, they got into a LOT of trouble when they were growing up. My husband still hasn't gotten over losing his best friend :(.
DeleteWhat an inspiring video! Amazing young man!
ReplyDeleteHe really is.
DeleteI really love this band so it's nice to hear a song from them I haven't heard.
ReplyDeleteAnd a very inspiring story. My friend's mother passed away from CF recently. It was very sad. She was in her 70's which is unheard of but she had a weird strain of the disease and was a bit of a medical marvel for surviving so long with it. I know it's usually not like that.
Wow, that's amazing! I know they are doing amazing things with lung transplants for CF patients, so hopefully the life expectancy will go up.
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