No, not Sgt. Pepper’s. Today is the 20th anniversary of my sisters death. She was 30 years old, and finally gave up the battle with CF. So, I’ll tell you as much of the story as I know.
My sister, Judy Buschle, was born in 1957 and diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. When she was diagnosed, my parents were told that they may not want to take her home, as she wouldn’t live that long. Well, my parents, being the good parents that they were, took her home anyway. Judy did live, and lived to almost 31. She was very healthy until her early 20’s. She also had a great outlook on life. She really lived life to it’s fullest, even though some of her choices probably shortened her life.
I remember Judy going into the hospital every 3-4 months for tw0 or three weeks at a time. We called it a cleanout, and she would get IV Antibiotics, etc. After that, she would be in good shape until her next cleanout. It was a routine. I was fairly young, so I didn’t understand it all. But, I’d go see her every time. As I got older, I didn’t go see her as much, because I was a stupid teenager.
Anyway, Judy was a fighter. Not only did she fight CF for 30+ years, but she also made others fight too. The doc (Dr. Frank Kellogg) would put her in a room with kids that were non-compliant. She would brow beat them into compliance, teach them how to cough, and generally abuse them into better health. Judy had a great wit, and was very quick with her sarcastic comments. In fact, I remember many times that she and my father would just get on a roll, and the entire house would be cracking up.
So, fast forward a few years. Judy was on permanent oxygen, and had a 75 ft long cannula that she could drag through my parents house. (She was married for a time, but ended up divorced, as she got sicker she moved back home) She also had a portable oxygen container, but it wasn’t very portable. I remember that she was going into the hospital more often. It was the weekend before my friend Brian’s birthday, a Saturday. We went out to get some food and went to a movie. Judy had been in the hospital for a few weeks, and had asked every day for me to come see her. That night, when we got home, both of the cars were in the driveway. I knew this couldn’t be good, and mom and dad told me that Judy was gone. I was in shock, I never expected her to not come home. Stupid me, I never went to see her. I still kick myself about that.
I said that Judy gave up, and she did, but in her own way. Judy was offered a Lung Transplant, but she said no. They really don’t have the best track record now, and were worse 20 years ago. But, she did fight until the end. On that Saturday, her favorite nurses were on. She fought to stay alive until after their shift ended. She didn’t want them to feel bad that she died on their shift. That’s fighting.
My favorite memory of Judy was watching her walk to the fridge at Children’s Hospital and get a beer. Yes, Dr. Kellogg let her have beer in the hospital. She liked it and it put weight on her. It was just hilarious to see her walking the halls with a Miller in her hand.
Team for Life runners have been encouraged to run for a Hero. A kid with CF that is having a tough time, and would never be able to do it. I already have my hero, or at least one of three. My sister. People ask me why I run. I tell them it’s good for me, keeps me healthy, and I’m raising money to help myself. But, the real reason, it’s for the memories. That is why I run.
Hi Mike…
Thank you for telling us about Judy — thank you for remembering your sister so fondly… And thank you for running in her honor…
She sounds like she was a pretty amazing person… And the way you explain that her doctors used her to help influence others into compliance — I have little doubt that she advanced the care and treatment for cystic fibrosis in her own little way… Doubtless, there are more kids who lived longer, better lives because of Judy… That’s something to be proud of — and something to be proud of a sister for…
I’ve been inspired by people like Judy — and I hope that, in my own way, I’ve inspired others too… I think you’re right — when transplant was made an option for Judy, it wasnn’t a very wonderful opportunity — survival, and longer term survival was spotty at best… I can’t say that I wouldn’t have taken her path. Over the 10 years that followed Judy passing — lung transplant advanced incredibly…
I know — I was tranpslanted four days before my 40th birthday in April, 2000… People like Judy blazed a trail for people like me… People like me are alive because of people like Judy.
Thank you for running for your hero — thank you for telling us about her. Thank you for letting her be our hero too. I run now too — more often climb — but I’ll have another hero in my mind when I do…
And I just love the visual of her strolling down a hospital hall — I.V. pole in one hand and a Miller in the other… My doc let me have beer in the hospital too — I would have been honored to walk by her side…
Love,
Steve
Steve Ferkau
Chicago, IL
http://www.ClimbingForKari.org
http://www.ReviveHope.com
Mark,
You know, you are a beautiful writer and what you wrote above is a great tribute to your sister. I’m sorry that I never knew Judy, but I can imagine that you are a lot like her. I mean, you are never sarcastic or anything like that. 😉
We’ll miss you running tonight.
Mo
Thanks Steve. I thought it was important for the readers of my blog to understand more about life with CF. I don’t post much about it, so I thought this was a good story to share. Plus, it’s a great way to remember my sister.
Mark
Mark,
What a powerful and moving story. I can see many of your sisters trait’s in you. You too are a fighter…and my hero.
Wayne
I remember running with you close to this date and you telling me about Judy’s story. It was nice to read it again. Your sister is very proud of you. I did not know that she is among the heros you are running for. You need to get a picture of her to me so we can share her courage with the thousands running at the PIG.
amye
Sorry Amye, Judy and Timmy are all mine. You’ll notice 3 sets of initials on my singlet. EVB (my father), TEB (my brother Timmy), and JMB (my sister Judy). I’m usually not selfish, but in this case I will be.
Mark
Thanks Mark,
I came upon your website, while looking for Team for Life/Flying Pig. I was trying to find Ed Conway. After being unsuccessful I began to read your last blogs. That was a wonderful story about your sister. We do a lot of stupid things when we are young, but your sister can look down at you now and be very proud of you.
I work with a guy named Rick Birkner, we are both Respiratory Therapists at Riverside Meth Hosp in Columbus, OH. Rick has CF, and we have worked together for over 29 years. He also lost a sister to CF quite a few years back. He is a fighter like you. He works full time and he is an avid bike rider. Good luck with your race. Mary Ann
Hi Mary Ann, thanks for dropping by. Yes, my sister was a little crazy, just like me. I honestly think that all CF’ers are fighters. I think you have to be to put up with this mess.
I don’t know Ed’s last name, but I’m sure he’s the same guy. I ran 12 miles with him on Saturday. He wasn’t even breathing when we finished…disgusting. I’ll tell him you said hi!
Drop back on the 5th, I’m sure I will have updated my blog with my results, etc.
Mark
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