physical therapy
hi my name is Katelyn Garcia I am 22 years old and i was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when I was just 6 weeks old. When i was 16 i received my first double lung transplant but before that went through extreme physical therapy to get me in the best shape and i became the first pediatric patient in new yorks columbia presbyterian children hospital to walk with echmo. After receiving my 1st transplant i was okay for 4 years i became a mentor for other cf kids and even began to travel. i went into rejection after 4 years and received my 2nd double lung transplant at the age of 20 i spent the following year in the hospital following extreme physical therapy to get me to walk again and to find my strength again. Through this journey I have found strength to keep pushing by helping others and created a non profit called the air i breathe. Im proud to say that through the air i breathe ive been able to donate necessities to the picu, nicu, step down transplant floor, nursing staffs and physical therapy staff. ive since joined the cystic fibrosis peer connect, mentored with my cf community, and done what I can to make sure people that are just like me never have to feel alone.
DG27--On the Road Again; Transitions Through the Lifespan of the CF Patient
Saturday, October 25, 2025
7:45 AM - 9:45 AM PDT