Spring 2008

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Long-Delayed Diagnosis Leads to Chair in Cystic Fibrosis

Imagine living for 49 years with an unidentified chronic disease — one that makes it hard to exercise and accomplish daily activities, and saps all of your energy. Now imagine how incredible it would feel to come to National Jewish and finally learn what you’ve been struggling with all of your life.

Rebecca Runyon Bryan fought with respiratory, sinus and gastrointestinal problems from birth. “Over the next 49 years, I  saw countless doctors and was diagnosed with every respiratory disease known to man. I sometimes took antibiotics 200 days out of the year and had multiple unnecessary surgeries,” said Runyon Bryan.

Finally, she found National Jewish where physicians diagnosed her with cystic fibrosis (CF). She now works closely with Jerry Nick, MD, Director of the Adult CF Programs, and his team, to keep her disease under control.

The Adult CF Program at National Jewish, one of the largest in the country, is rapidly expanding in response to patient demand. Cystic fibrosis has traditionally been considered a childhood disease. However, as care has improved and as genetic testing has identified more adult patients with less severe disease, the need for specialized care of adult CF patients has grown.

After many years of supporting National Jewish, Runyon Bryan was looking for a way to have a long-lasting impact on the institution — just as National Jewish has had a lasting impact on her life. She has chosen to endow an Annual Chair in Cystic Fibrosis, with the initial Chair awarded to Dr. Nick. She is giving her gift in annual cash payments while at the same time working to fund the full value of the endowment.

This gift will allow National Jewish to continue expanding its cystic fibrosis program by hiring additional staff, and purchasing new laboratory equipment essential for CF research.

Ms. Runyon Bryan is typical of a large group of CF patients we specialize in treating at National Jewish. “She did not display the classic childhood symptoms of CF, so was not diagnosed until later in life. We are honored that she has chosen to support National Jewish in such a profound way,” said Dr. Nick.