Kyle Monk

From the series Cystic Fibrosis

"I am working with the CF Foundation to create dramatic, powerful, and intimate portraits of people with Cystic Fibrosis to help bring awareness to this genetic disease. Airway clearance techniques (ACTs) and nebulizers are treatments that help people with CF stay healthy and breathe easier. Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease of the mucus glands that affects many body systems. The disorder's most common signs and symptoms include progressive damage to the respiratory system and chronic digestive system problems. ACTs loosen thick, sticky lung mucus so it can be cleared by coughing or huffing. Clearing airways reduces lung infections and improves lung function. ACTs are often used with other treatments, like inhaled bronchodilators and antibiotics."