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Q&A with Andy Lipman from The CF Warrior Project

Andy Lipman

Founder, CF Warrior Project


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Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your experience with CF?

I was born with cystic fibrosis in September 1973. My family and I founded the Wish for Wendy Foundation in memory of my older sister, who died from CF after only 16 days of life. The foundation has contributed almost $5 million to help raise awareness for CF and fund research for a cure. I have also written 5 books on CF, the most recent one being The CF Warrior Project Volume 2: Celebrating Our CF Community.  It is really a love letter to the CF community.  All profits from it go back to CF-related charities.

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How has CF impacted your daily life, and what challenges have you faced because of it?

I do two hours of treatments a day and take 50 pills per day. I am high-risk, so obviously, that played a role during the pandemic. I also had to be more cautious than my peers since I was a little boy. Exercise is not just something I do. It’s something I can’t live without.

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What do you hope to achieve through the CF Warrior Project?

I hope to raise awareness for the cause and bring hope to those who battle the disease and also to those who advocate for the cause.

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What advice would you give to someone who has just been diagnosed with CF?

I would tell that person that “If you’re going to have CF, this is the best time to have it.” I say that because of all the breakthrough drugs, including CFTR modulators, that are making a huge difference for approximately 90% of the CF population.

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What is your message to others who are living with CF or are affected by it in some way?

My message is to take one day at a time and don’t let your dreams take a backseat. Anything is possible.

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