Jessica Caesar – Community Advisory Committee Member, adult living with cystic fibrosis

Hello everyone, my name is Jess, I’m 37years old and I’m a cystic fibrosis patient at The Prince Charles Hospital. I have two of my own businesses, including private house cleaning and Dog Training, I’m also working casually for Cystic Fibrosis Queensland to help deliver a grant funded by Vertex.

I went to St Kevin’s primary school and then St Rita’s College, both of which I loved and competed in many sports over my 12 years. I first represented my school and Brisbane at the state championships in swimming at the age of 8, and continued to compete at this level till I was 18, swimming up to 5 hours a day during competition season. This also helped my lung function stay relatively well my whole childhood, having my first admission when I was 17. I was also part of athletics, touch football and cross-country teams and performed ballet for 15 years.

Once I graduated year 12, I studied hospitality management after completing a Cert 1 in Hospitality Operations in grade 12, and I realised with my hospitality experience it would be of great value to be able to work and travel the world. My first overseas job was to Canada in 2009, which was the beginning of my passion for travel. I have since been to 37 countries (34 on my own), 6 continents, 24 US states, and visited Canada 7 times.

I’m also challenging myself; my cystic fibrosis was never going to be an excuse for me not trying something new. I have been sky diving, para sailing, hang gliding and white-water rafting, I have swum with wild dolphins, seals, and manatees. I’m not fast enough for sharks yet I guess.

I have always lived my life with the motto of “Life’s too short”. When I was born, the life expectancy was 17, however I refused to accept this and instead, used it as an excuse not to take life for granted. Something I wish everyone could live by also.

My youtube channel and Instagram is cystic fibrosis traveller for travel videos and advice.