As a 29-year-old musician, teacher, writer, and founder of Breathe Bravely, Ashley Ballou-Bonnema strives to get the most out of a life lived with cystic fibrosis. Originally, Ashley found her voice in a personal blog called, “Breathe Bravely” – a blog reflecting Ashley’s beautiful journey with CF. But through the voice and support of many, Breathe Bravely… Continue Reading
Category Archives: Cystic Fibrosis
The Crushing Question
A close friend reminded me recently about the time I ripped into him on social media. Being two years ago I had actually forgotten about the incident. He clearly hadn’t. Not one to enjoy confrontation of any kind, this little ‘episode’ was not really my style. Facebook is certainly not the place to be… Continue Reading
Safe Travels: Twelve Tips to Avoid a Visit to “Club Med(ical)” on Your Next Holiday!
If you have followed me for a while you will know how much I love travelling. Travelling is something that has given me experience and perspective that remain some of my greatest motivators in my health journey. It is the ultimate freedom. In my teens I was blessed to have a doctor that recognised that… Continue Reading
Orkambi – A Love Story (Part Four)
I believe my success with Orkambi hasn’t just been about the changes it has brought to my physical self but equally about wholeheartedly embracing them and falling in love with the life I have the opportunity to create because of it. About redefining myself as a person and seeing beyond the… Continue Reading
Orkambi – A Love Story (Part Three)
The study conditions were strict and my physicians had rightly put the fear of god in me if I was to even entertain the idea of breaking them or do so accidentally. It was with due reason, sharing my experience could jeopardise the trial integrity, something that could have serious consequences for not… Continue Reading
Orkambi – A Love Story (Part Two)
As the number of days to our wedding declined, so did my health. I became incredibly fragile – physically and emotionally. Most of the final planning for our big day was done from an uninspiring hospital room and my tank started to run on empty – I was loosing the ground we had… Continue Reading
Orkambi – A Love Story (Part One).
The origin of the name Jessica is Hebrew, meaning gods grace. When I was younger I used to pay my parents out that they also chose Grace as my second name. In reality they didn’t even realise this at the time. I wouldn’t define myself as religious but I have always… Continue Reading
Why Risk It?
One of the most common topics I see discussed amongst people living with chronic illness and their carers is how to live a ‘normal’ life without being exposed to things that may put their health at risk. That delicate balance between living for today but saving enough for tomorrow. If you… Continue Reading… Continue Reading
Those Who Love Us
A few days ago my husband and I celebrated being a couple for 10 years. Ten freaking years. That makes me feel really old. It is also really special. Not only because that is more than one third of both of our lives but just on the quiet, I think my man is secretly Superman.… Continue Reading
Disrupting Health Care – What I Would Love To See Done Differently
A couple of weeks ago I attended an event hosted by Xero and the incredible Lisa Messenger, Founder and Editor in Chief of Collective Hub. I absolutely adore Lisa’s work particularly Collective Magazine (pictured below) and the message she shares about doing business (and life) differently in order to create change. It shouldn’t really… Continue Reading
Want more of the good bits?
Be the first to know about my upcoming events, news, FREE Q&A sessions and special offers by popping your details in here!