Hello!
My name is Dharma Bredell. I am 23 years old and just before my fifth birthday, I was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis, or CF for short. Cystic Fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that causes mucus to become abnormally thick consequently blocking all the tubes and channels throughout the body. It mainly affects the lungs and digestive system in various ways. The thick mucus traps bacteria in the lungs leading to frequent hospitalisations to treat the infections. My normal day consists of two nebulisations with chest physiotherapy in between twice a day, in the morning and evening. I take a handful of supplements and medication to keep me going and I have a port-o-cath to make IV access a little bit easier when I am admitted to the hospital. My normal might be different from yours, but I wouldn’t change my life one bit. I have a saying, “I have Cystic Fibrosis, Cystic Fibrosis doesn’t have me” and I live by that.
I am the founder of Dharma Breathes. Dharma Breathes is a non-governmental organization that would fund the cost of a life-saving treatment called Trikafta, also generically known as Kaftrio or Trixicar. Trikafta directly targets the underlying genetic cause of Cystic Fibrosis, correcting the malfunctioning protein made by the faulty CFTR gene. Accessing Trikafta in South Africa can cost up to millions. The main objective of Dharma Breathes is not only to help me but also to help individuals like me who cannot afford the medication. Whilst also spreading awareness to get this life-saving drug at an affordable price available to all with Cystic Fibrosis in South Africa. When I was younger, and the hospital stays got a little too long and the nebulisation and medications became too much, I told my parents I wished there was a simple treatment in the form of a pill. And now there is, so please check out my website dharmabreathes.com or socials @dharmabreathes. Without your help, I and others like me will not be able to access this treatment. A little bit about me besides having CF: I am currently doing my Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Psychology (BPsych Equivalent Programme) to become a Registered Counsellor specialising in chronic illnesses, grief, and trauma. I completed my undergraduate degree in Bachelor of Social Science (Majoring in Psychology and Counselling). I enjoy working with people and also want to become a motivational speaker. My happy and calm place is being by my partner’s side through anything. I love exploring, adventuring, and trying new things. Whether it is hiking to a majestic waterfall or lookout point on top of a mountain or trying a new cafe. I am obsessed with rocks, shells, sunsets, and the ocean. I have two fur babies, Camelot and Melanger, who you would often see on my Instagram either sleeping in my arms or playing in the grass. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my parents laughing around the kitchen table, catching up with friends over coffee, making videos and content for social media talking about my life experiences, and spreading awareness for CF in a unique humorous way. Go check out my videos @dharmabredell
Thank you for your support, and as always, sending positive vibes your way!
~ Dharma
