How Fostering and CF impact my work
More Than DNA – DNA doesn't define our family
by Cheriz
4y ago
I haven’t been on my blog much…. I think that is because most of my blogging is currently been done on Health Union’s Cystic-Fibrosis.com (here is link to all my posts on their site: https://cystic-fibrosis.com/members/cherizkunkel/). I decided last fall to step away from real estate after 3 years in the business. It was tough to say good-bye, especially since I had tripled my volume and business in the last year. However, I didn’t have time to add any new clients; I kept saying, maybe next week, next month I can fit more work into my schedule. The truth is fostering takes a lot of ti ..read more
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A Simple Hug
More Than DNA – DNA doesn't define our family
by Cheriz
4y ago
I’m a hugging type person. In fact, I have a couple friends that aren’t big on hugs or any kind of public displays of affection. However, they usually bring the bubble barrier (as I call it) down to hug me good bye. I’m also super extroverted and LOVE to hang out with friends…. Therefore, not being able to see my friends (with CF) in person drive me nuts. A lot of people (in society) don’t realize that people with CF cannot be around each other. This is due to the bacteria we colonize in our lungs. It doesn’t affect non-CF individuals. But, as we come in close proximity with other people wi ..read more
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Holding Down the Fort
More Than DNA – DNA doesn't define our family
by Cheriz
4y ago
My husband, Andrew, is currently at Wartburg Theological Seminary and is starting his first week of his second year there. Every year he lives on campus for one week. He enjoys starting each semester on campus where he can build friendships with other students and professors. It’s the only time he is on campus. Usually he does long-distance learning, online, from home. It was the only way we could manage him doing a four year Master degree program while working. This week is the hardest for us. However, we have something on Thursday and Friday this week, so Andrew will only be gone 3 days in ..read more
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Sunny Days!
More Than DNA – DNA doesn't define our family
by Cheriz
5y ago
Since my last Cystic Fibrosis clinic, which you may have read about on my Facebook page, I have been working on a couple goals… both medical and personal. And boy do I love this summer weather! Summer weather combines one medical and one personal goal!! EXERCISE + MORE FAMILY TIME! I’m not one to enjoy extreme heat (90+), but have really LOVED the nice days outside with the family this summer! Sun (+sunblock LOL), freezie pops, flip flops, YES PLEASE! We have even spent some time at the lake this summer! Our kiddo(s) LOVE(S) the water and so does Andrew! I don’t enjoy being IN the wate ..read more
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My Body Can’t Keep Up
More Than DNA – DNA doesn't define our family
by Cheriz
5y ago
I turned 34 in April this year! I love celebrating my birthday each year and seeing more wrinkles and gray hair appear. I LOVE that I am building this beautiful life with my family. I just wish my body could keep up… Being born with cystic fibrosis meant some challenges throughout my life. I never knew when CF would throw me a curve ball. I missed a lot of holidays in the hospital growing up and sometimes my body tells me to stop. The last few months have been more rough for my CF-related Arthritis. And today isn’t any different, despite it being Father’s Day! Dad & Andrew I had ..read more
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Huge decisions, big impact
More Than DNA – DNA doesn't define our family
by Cheriz
5y ago
I wasn’t sure if I wanted to discuss this or should write this post. I had to make a really tough decision this week. I have been struggling with it for months. I finally decided to bite the bullet and do what I needed to… I decided to share because there are probably many others in the same or similar situation. Well, here it is: I took a giant step back in my career.<insert gasp> That’s right. I, Cheriz Kunkel, houses fanatic, architecture loving, Realtor, has taken a step away from her Real Estate Career. Let that sink in. NOTE: If you are looking to buy or sell- STILL CONTACT ..read more
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Not ONLY my Lungs
More Than DNA – DNA doesn't define our family
by Cheriz
5y ago
Yes, I have Cystic Fibrosis. Yes, It’s mostly known for the damage done to our lungs. But, it’s not JUST a LUNG DISEASE. To be honest, when I was younger I had more serious GI (stomach) issues than serious lung issues. I’ve had many, many surgeries where part of my intestines were removed (I only have 60-70% of my intestines left). I have/had liver struggles, bone/joint issues, reproductive issues, and more. Also, I have mild cerebral palsy ( diagnosed at age 3). For my CP, I did lots of physical therapy, wore a leg brace for 10+ years, and see an eye specialist. I had surgery on both my ..read more
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A Birthday Treat
More Than DNA – DNA doesn't define our family
by Cheriz
5y ago
Born 12 weeks early and diagnosed with cystic fibrosis shortly People didn’t think I’d live past 5 and tomorrow I turn 34 years old. BOOM BABY! I wear my age, gray hair, and wrinkles proudly (yes, even the wrinkles). Hats off to all the medication for keeping me alive. And OF COURSE… my parents, doctors, family, and friends. Research and fundraising has really helped some AMAZING, life prolonging drugs come to market. I have a large support system that helps and volunteers. I’m so thankful!! Heaven knows I needed that support system when I became a foster mom. Especially since I wen ..read more
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Finding Some ME Time!
More Than DNA – DNA doesn't define our family
by Cheriz
5y ago
Finding ME TIME can be hard, even feel selfish. But, I have learned a lot. It’s a bit of a story, let me start back at February 5th… February 5th, it was a cold, dark, stormy night. OOPS! Nevermind. This isn’t a murder mystery. Feb 5th: I had Cystic Fibrosis Clinic, my first appointment of the year. Which means mental health screening. Like my usual- I score zero signs of depression and very high on anxiety. This is an accurate description, I have always been fast paced, over thinking, high level control needed, and high anxiety. My anxiety comes from feeling rushed, having too much to ..read more
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Thinking of Fostering?
More Than DNA – DNA doesn't define our family
by Cheriz
5y ago
It’s challenging to foster, it’s not a challenge to love the kids Andrew and I began fostering in August of 2017. We have had two cases and 4 kiddos live with us during the last 1.5 years. Jumping into fostering 3 kids at once, was a lot. You become an instant parent. READY or NOT! First Store Trip! Prepping? It’s hard to know what you will need. An expecting mother has nine months to plan. She knows the age (and sometimes gender) of her child. Now as a Foster Parent you can set limits. For example: you can state you want only 1 kid at a time, over age 10 or under age 5. It depends what wo ..read more
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