Patient Stories > Parker

Shortly after Parker was born, he was given a newborn screening test.  The routine screening tests every newborn for certain harmful or fatal disorders that are not otherwise apparent at birth.

The results of Parker's screening showed he had cystic fibrosis.  His pediatrician referred him to St. Christopher's Cystic Fibrosis Center, where he arrived with his family the next day for an appointment. 

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease.  It affects the glands that make mucus and sweat.  Because the disease makes a person’s mucus thick and sticky, it can block the airways of the lungs and make it easy for bacteria to grow.  This can lead to repeated, serious infections.

St. Christopher’s specialists aggressively pursued a preventive course of treatment with Parker.  Every three months, he receives a complete physical and lung function test.  Likewise, any medical problems that crop up with Parker have been vigorously addressed, including some digestive issues and infections.  In every case, St. Christopher’s specialists tackled his problems right away so that they were corrected before worsening.

Today, Parker is a healthy 14-year-old who his mother describes as "one of the most active kids you’ll ever meet."  He is a member of his school's track team and has played football in the past. Thanks to the care that he has received and the vigilance of his parents and medical team, his mother says he is living the life of a normal American teenager.