18-year-old Emily Bonney was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when she was only eight years old. The condition, cystic fibrosis, is oftentimes very limiting on the patient. The genetic condition causes a person’s lungs to more easily clog with mucus, making any physical activities difficult and potentially dangerous.
At the time, Bonney recalled, “I had really bad asthma symptoms and I was acting unusually quiet at school, I had a chest X-ray which found something wasn’t quite right.
“I was kept in hospital on oxygen and tests soon revealed I had cystic fibrosis, ever since I had routine ultrasound scans and blood tests to monitor my condition.”
In the years since, Bonney has also been diagnosed with liver disease, sinus disease, and cystic fibrosis-related diabetes. “Despite this, I try my best not to let them get in the way of my dreams,” she said.
And thus far, Bonney has been hugely successful in not letting this define her life.
Ever since she was nine years old, Bonney has been training regularly every day to become a star cheerleader. Over time, she’s increased her practice time each week. Now, she practices eight hours every week and will soon be representing her home country in the world championships.
But none of this would be possible if it weren’t for Bonney’s intense medical treatments. “Without taking 60 tablets every day I would struggle to even walk up a flight of stairs,” she admitted.
“But I have never allowed my cystic fibrosis to get in the way of my dreams, and to compete in the world championships with Team England ParaCheer will be amazing.”
Bonney describes her array of medical treatments: every three months, she has to go to the hospital for a round of IV antibiotics; twice a day, she attends physical therapy and does breathing treatments to “ensure [she’s] on top form.”
Although Bonney’s condition seems to be strong and stable now, doctors warn her that it might deteriorate in the future.
“I may need a double lung transplant but I’m trying not to think about that and instead, live life to the full,” Bonney explained.
In 2014, she started a bucket list and kept track of her progress online. It initially began as a way for her to “achieve some things and see more of the world and what it has to offer,” but now, Bonney’s gathered over 50,000 followers on her Instagram page, all of whom are cheering her on from their corners of the globe.
“It means a lot to know how many people support my journey,” she said, “hopefully I can encourage others to pursue their dreams too.”
Bonney will travel with her cheer squad to Orlando, Florida in April to participate in the world championships. We’re all cheering her on!
