Nathan
CF by the numbers

BY MARK SHWARTZ

FALL 2006 -- Nathan Parks has always loved math. Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as a young child, the 18-year-old high school senior from Weaverville, Calif., can rattle off the results of his latest medical tests with the authority of a trained clinician.

Nathan's daily regimen includes doses of enzyme supplements, vitamins, anti-inflammatories, nasal sprays, and two anti-bacterial medications.

"Pulmonary Function Tests measure your lung volume and how much air you can exhale per second," he says. "Today, my PFTs showed that my lungs can hold 3 liters of air."

Since he was referred to Packard in December 2004, Nathan says that he has gained about 20 pounds and grown more than three inches taller. He credits his doctor, Terry Robinson, MD, for his remarkable turnaround.

"Dr. Robinson has helped me a lot," he explains. "He likes me to gain weight, and now I'm up to 91 pounds."

Like many CF patients, Nathan has had to endure recurring attacks of harmful bacteria that invaded his body when he was very young. These chronic infections have taken their toll on his stamina and his overall health. "I can't run or be active quite like I want to," he says.

His daily regimen includes doses of enzyme supplements, vitamins, anti-inflammatories, nasal sprays, and two anti-bacterial medications, including an aerosol that "messes with my voice," he says, "by making it deep and scratchy, and also gives me dry mouth."

One of the top students in his class, Nathan plans to attend college and eventually teach high school math. "With CF, you sometimes wake up in the morning and say, 'do I want to do homework today or do something fun?'"

"It's hard for young people to keep up with all of their treatments," says Robinson. "But Nathan has done phenomenally well since coming here, and I'm sure he'll continue to show great progress."

Meet the Patients

Nathan Parks, age 18

Jenny Hoyland, age 11

Jonah Fong, age 4

Rachel Herrera, age 12