Meet Elaina Pyke. Elaina is one of our special mothers who has attended our “We Walk Together” Mother’s Retreat. It is always so inspiring to read the stories of our mothers as time passes. This is not only Mothers Day month but also CF Awareness Month. Happy Mothers Day to all of our moms of CF children.
My name is Elaina, I’m a single parent of 3 incredible children Lillyan 15, Olivia 8 and Mario (aka Baby Mario) 4 years old. Mario has Cystic Fibrosis (CF).
Mario’s father and I found out we are CF carriers after prenatal screening during my pregnancy with Olivia. She does not have CF, but inherited a CF trait. Baby Mario was diagnosed prenatally at 26 weeks via amniocentesis results came back positive down to his genetic mutation Homozygous Delta F508 which affects the digestive and respiratory system. The diagnosis was later confirmed with both new born screens and sweat test.
Life with CF for us isn’t black and white, we have 2 crazy households that seem to function at their best. We’re living and learning our way of life with CF along the way. Hell yes our routines can be hectic, treatments don’t always occur at the same time of day, but hey, they get done.
Reminding ourselves to have grace is often forgotten but so important for us to move forward. I learned the importance of giving myself grace during the 2017 Montana We Walk Together Mothers retreat. I’ve also sparked a passion to become more involved with the CF community, but I wasn’t sure how and when…
Once 2019 came around, multiple opportunities arose and I decided to take advantage of them. I’m extremely excited to be a member of the Mary Bridge CF Parent Advisory Board and looking to joining the Mary Bridge Hospital Parent Advisory Council as well. I find fulfillment in advocacy and I’m looking forward to undertake these positions as a CF mother and representing our community the best way I can.
With all these opportunities evolving in my life I’m proud to say I’m still connected to the best group of women I ever met on our Montana Mothers Retreat FB group. It’s reassuring to know I’m not alone and we’re all traveling one hell of a journey with CF together.
