MSU News Service
BOZEMAN – “From Sickness to Health: A Personal Story of Cystic Fibrosis and Lung Transplantation” is the subject of the next Café Scientifique to be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 29, at the Baxter Ballroom in downtown Bozeman.
Isabel and Anabel Stenzel—twins, authors, patient advocates and healthcare providers—will provide a personal and professional overview of living with cystic fibrosis, the most common life-threatening genetic disorder in Caucasians. They will discuss clinical aspects of the disease, including the genetics, pathophysiology and current management of the disease, showing how medical advancements have increased life expectancy and quality of life.
The Stenzel twins will also discuss the psychosocial aspects of living with cystic fibrosis, including coping with chronic illness, the impact of illness on relationships, the gift of a support network, and the wisdom learned from illness. The speakers will address one of the most transformative modern medical miracles—organ donation and lung transplantation for cystic fibrosis. They will discuss their global advocacy work to increase awareness about cystic fibrosis and organ donation, inspired by their memoir and documentary film.
Isabel Stenzel Byrnes and Anabel Stenzel, 40, have worked with families affected by cystic fibrosis for 20 years. Anabel serves as a board member of Cystic Fibrosis Research, Inc., and Isabel serves on the ethics committee for the United Network of Organ Sharing.
After a lifetime of challenges from cystic fibrosis, Anabel received two double lung transplants, at the age of 28 and 35; Isabel received a double lung transplant at the age of 34. They published a memoir, The Power of Two: A Twin Triumph over Cystic Fibrosis, in 2007. The twins’ work has inspired a documentary film also called “The Power of Two,” which examines the cystic fibrosis and transplant experience in the U.S. and Japan.
“The Power of Two” will be shown from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on March 30, at the Ellen Theater, 17 West Main, Bozeman. The screening is a benefit for The Cody Dieruf Benefit Foundation. Tickets may be purchased at theellentheatre.com or breathinisbelievin.org.
