My friend Steve

By: Young Person Living with Cystic Fibrosis

I am going to tell the story of a close friend of mine, a person whom I find inspirational, and I think after reading this story you will also. Steve was born a twin into a family with 3 brothers. Although being the older of the twins he is constantly recognized as being the youngest in the family. The other side to this story is Stephen, along with one of his older brothers was born with cystic Fibrosis. Although not being noticeable to the eye, CF is a disease, which affects many young people and being with out a cure, does tragically take many young lives. Stephen has faced some enormous challenges throughout his life. During primary school he was faced with his brothers death to Cystic Fibrosis. It was not until many years later when I met Steve I found out about this, and to this day his strength of character amazes me to be able to openly discuss what happened. Surely it is not an easy feat to cope with your brother's death in any circumstances, but when you suffer the same disease he died from, it is nothing less than extraordinary. It was not until the start of secondary school when Steve came out of home schooling and into the big world of year seven that he showed everyone what a great bloke he was. Somehow he has managed to stay mates with everyone, mediate most of the fights and never stand down on something he believes in. The main inspiration that can be drawn from Steve comes from his actions, not his words. No matter the challenges life has thrown at him, he has always managed to get out there and get something out of his life. He is currently completing his VCE, is amazing on a BMX, and manages to sustain a part time job and a girlfriend. It is these actions which speak loudest of his character and do show clearly why he can be seen as an inspiration. I hope by reading this story you may gain something. Steve is an inspirational person and hopefully through reading this you can see how his attitude could benefit us all. So... Next time you think; hey its not fair, how come I have this, why am I like that, stop and just for a second think of Steve, and then go right ahead and make the best of the situation you are in.