In Australia, one in 2500 children are born with cystic fibrosis (CF) every year: around one every four days. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic, chronic disease that worsens over time, severely affecting both the pancreas and the lungs. The debilitating disease renders the pancreas unable to break down enzymes, meaning food is harder to digest. It also creates thick mucus in the lungs, which results in difficulty breathing.
My name is Dallian Macadam; I am a 26-year-old aspiring travel photographer from Adelaide, and I am that one in 2500. But I won’t let this stop me from doing what I love.
Living with Cystic Fibrosis
Growing up, I never truly recognized the hard reality of having cystic fibrosis. Although I had all my necessary treatments every day, the seriousness never truly dawned on me until I discovered that most children with cystic fibrosis fail to live past their teenage years.
Reflecting on that day, I believe it changed me in multifaceted ways. I became more aware of my illness and realized that it can limit some individuals significantly. The average lifespan for someone with cystic fibrosis is approximately 35 to 40 years old. As a result, it often feels like there’s a timer ticking down, which inspires me to make the most of my time here.
While experiences can vary, CF for me is incredibly draining on both my physical and mental health. Some days, it can be exhausting enough to confine me to bed. Though I may not notice this myself, scientists have indicated that for a person with CF, breathing resembles breathing through a straw. Consequently, this makes the prospect of traveling overseas quite daunting.
When my health declines, I often end up in the hospital for approximately two weeks for a course of IV antibiotics. This situation occurs at least 3 to 5 times a year, adding to my travel worries. Many individuals with CF undergo lung transplants at least once in their lives, and I am thankful I have not faced that yet. Given these odds, you might question why I would even consider traveling despite such risks. However, it ultimately comes down to chasing one’s dreams. I like to think of life as a game of cards; I was dealt a bad hand, but sometimes you just have to be willing to gamble.
The Realities of Traveling with Cystic Fibrosis
Even when well-prepared, I encounter numerous odds and restrictions concerning travel. While most people traveling abroad will acquire travel insurance, the unfortunate reality for me is that my condition is almost never covered by insurance companies, creating risks when spending time far from home.
I also need to meticulously plan my days down to the smallest details. I primarily do this because I often require time to rest and regain my breath. I have discovered that taking time for this and generally slowing down the pace of life while on the road works wonders. Dedicating an entire day to recharging has proven immensely helpful, especially after overworking myself to fit in numerous activities.
Considering the health risks associated with travel, I take precautionary measures before even leaving home, such as voluntarily admitting myself into the hospital for a quick ‘top-up’ of IV antibiotics. This ensures I am at my very best before I depart. I also bring my medications, like my inhalers, and strive to maintain my routine even while exploring. However, I must admit that it is incredibly challenging to stick to this routine when I’m eager to venture out and explore.
All these precautions become more complicated due to the financial burden of cystic fibrosis. The costs associated with treatment and medication accumulate over the months, making it challenging to save for travel. This issue is worsened by my struggles to find employment due to my illness. I remain hopeful to discover an employer who will support me despite my health risks, as this would significantly ease my life. Until that opportunity arises, I strive to save by any means possible, including pursuing my photography work.
I embarked on my photography journey a little over two years ago while navigating a turbulent period with my health. After researching and saving for months, I purchased my first camera and dedicated myself to learning everything I could about photography techniques and equipment. It didn’t take long to see substantial improvements in my pictures, and this newfound interest rapidly transformed into a passion, igniting my desire to travel even more.
Photography represents much more than a hobby to me. There’s something magical about capturing beautiful moments and places forever preserved in time. While I currently treat it as a hobby (with work showcased on my Instagram page), I aspire to one day merge my love for photography with my passion for travel and work as a full-time professional photographer.
Why I Won’t Let My Condition Stop Me from Exploring
While traveling entails additional risks for individuals like me, it has undoubtedly transformed my life for the better. At home, I often feel like a bird trapped in a cage. Some days can become nearly unbearable as I yearn to be anywhere else (especially during long hospital stays). Traveling offers an escape and something to look forward to. I have always firmly believed that we should not remain confined to one place and that culture and knowledge ought to be gathered from all corners of the globe.
Living with cystic fibrosis brings limitations, but that doesn’t mean I should abandon my dream of becoming a professional travel photographer. Knowing that my time here is gradually diminishing intensifies my resolve to see this dream fulfilled. Ambition and perseverance go hand in hand, a notion particularly pertinent for individuals living with chronic illnesses like cystic fibrosis.
Of course, none of this would be achievable without the unwavering support of my parents, brothers, closest friends, and partner – who have stood by me through thick and thin and have been there for me at my most vulnerable times.
While CF continues to pose challenges, it has also revealed my inner strength and enhanced my ability to confront obstacles head-on. For this reason, despite the risks involved, I refuse to let it deter me from pursuing my passion – and I sincerely hope that whatever challenges you face in your own life won’t hinder your exploration of the world either.
As I mentioned, life is fundamentally a game of cards: I was dealt a bad hand, but I am determined to play it to the best of my abilities. And who knows, I might just emerge victorious.
