NEW treatments and daily exercise have put Dianella resident Adrian Fabiankovits in the best shape he has ever been.
The 33-year-old married man has cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system.
Mr Fabiankovits’ daily treatment consists of a nebulised medicine twice a day, 15 tablets and about five insulin injections.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWMore: Floreat family to take spin cycle challenge for CFWA
Queens Park teen’s journey with cystic fibrosis
Clarkson woman seeks to conquer Cystic Fibrosis
He also runs or rides his bike six times a week as part of his treatment.
He said he was feeling well after starting new treatments late last year, which had a big effect on his lungs.
“I’ve been able to exercise quite a lot and am possibly in the best shape I’ve ever been in,” he said.
“I ran the half marathon at the HBF Run for a Reason on May 19, with the aim to run a full marathon later this year.”
As a child, he struggled with regular chest infections and health complications resulting in many hospital stays but in adulthood, his main struggle was coping with cystic fibrosis-related diabetes.
“Balancing my dietary intake to ensure that both my CF needs and my diabetes needs are being met, while also monitoring my blood sugars, can be a constant challenge,” he said.
“Another struggle is the time it takes to do all my treatments, plus exercising to keep my lungs fit and then balancing in my work and a busy home life as well.”
He said while he was grateful to be able to work full-time as an event operations supervisor at HBF Park and exercise, many people did not have access to treatment to do so.
“The advances in treatment of cystic fibrosis are making a massive impact but there is still so much work to do to reach everyone living with CF,” he said.
“Please support Cystic Fibrosis WA and 65 Roses Day by purchasing roses or the other goodies being sold on May 24.
“Every little bit helps.”
Roses can be bought at Altone Park Shopping Centre in Beechboro, Swan View Shopping Centre, Murray Street Mall and 106 St Georges Terrace.