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When he was diagnosed in infancy with cystic fibrosis, a cellular disease affecting the lungs, doctors told Ronnie Sharpe's mother he would be fortunate to see age 20. As he grew, Ronnie could have opted for a very sheltered life. Instead, he played baseball, basketball, soccer, and at age 14, finally convinced his mom to let him play his favorite sport, football. "All I wanted was to be as normal as possible, like any other kid." For the next ten years, football was Ronnie's life, and it helped to extend his life. He played all through school and then coached for high school and college teams. "It's all about lung capacity. The more we force ourselves to take deep breaths, the healthier our lungs will be. My goal is to stay around for a cure." But in January 2009, Ronnie had a close brush with death. A serious lung infection put him in the hospital for 50 days, bringing his lung capacity and his spirits to new lows. By March, Ronnie was back in the gym every day and starting a running program. Through his blog, RunSickboyRun.com, Ronnie shares his struggles and progress. "It has turned into something much bigger than I ever planned. Kids with CF and their parents go there for encouragement, tips and to ask me questions. I've had close to 15,000 visitors so far. To me, CF is a competition I refuse to lose."

What do people ask about on your blog?
Many with CF are scared and nervous about working out. But when they see my increasing lung function, they see it's worth the effort and the pain, and that they need to take their health more seriously. Parents ask me what I did in my teens to address some of the things their kids are going through now. I started the blog to hold myself accountable and track my progress, but I'm glad it is helping others with CF to start workout routines.
What is your current goal?
I am trying to run one mile outdoors. And as soon as I get that, I'll go for two. The doctors tell me that once you lose lung function, you never get it back, but I refuse to believe this. I'm up 10 percent from where I was in January. I'm at 63 percent now and want to get back to my baseline of 79 percent.
Where do you get your fighting spirit?
I love life way too much to lose without a fight. So I wake up every day, and it's me versus CF. He may win some days, but I win most of them. And besides, I figure if I'm dead, I cannot be a blessing to anyone. I really believe I am here to provide comfort, information and encouragement to others with CF because I know what they are going through.
What else are you working on?
While I was in the hospital, a mom came to visit me who has a child with CF. The parents are athletes and they want their kid to be able to play. The dad has some online resources and expertise, so we decided to build an online community for people with CF and also for people not touched by the disease so they can understand it better and donate for research.
Do you do other fundraising for CF?
I have done many projects over the years for CF and other charities, too. In 2004, I taught myself how to sew and started a clothing line. At first it was just for fun, but later I met some people who helped me turn it into a fundr-aiser for children's charities. At that time I was also doing speaking engagements to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. I thought it was important for donors to see the real-life effects of this disease, to be a face for CF.
Do you like fund-raising?
To be honest, in my younger days I felt guilty and selfish being a spokesperson for CF. You know, like "Look at me, I'm sick, I need your money 'cause I need a cure." Later, I got over it by focusing on the needs of others. Now, I feel guilty if I am not out there raising awareness about CF.
Was your mom unusual in how she raised you?
My mom's world was turned upside down when she found out her baby had CF. She was only 24, and my Dad was away on active duty when she got the diagnosis. At six months, I was still pretty close to my birth weight and I had a rash from head to toe. The outlook was very grim, and she was facing the almost certain prospect that her child would die well before she herself did. So in the beginning, she was focused on all the things I couldn't do and was very protective. She was trying to just keep me as healthy as she could. My aunts and uncles and other extended family helped her through this. It was my uncle who helped me convince her that I should be allowed to try football.
What role did athletics play in your childhood?
The biggest thing for me about football and sports is it made me normal. It let me be in normal social situations with kids my age, and relate and get guidance from adults other than doctors, nurses and teachers. When you have CF, you have a lot of hospital stays and treatments every day to get the mucus out of your lungs. So having a chance to do what normal kids did, that was huge.
What other charity efforts have you done?
In 2008, I began volunteering at a homeless shelter in Phoenix. I noticed that there was no place nearby where homeless people could get inexpensive food and beverages. So I asked the shelter if I could try a nonprofit café. We opened it five months later, and it is still there. The café serves discount coffee, snacks, sandwiches and microwavable food. All the proceeds go back into services for the homeless.
What are you looking forward to in the future?
I am willing to go anywhere and do anything I can to help others with CF. I am lucky to have my girlfriend, Mandy, in my life. She has been a great influence and help to me. I want to use my talents and work ethic to get the message out about CF.

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