Meet Michael
Meet Michael O’Neill:
Michael is a 25 year-old cystic fibrosis sufferer who is getting the most out of life! Michael is fully aware that supportive family and friends play a critical role in lightening the load that comes with CF.
Having 'handled it' (the CF) for his whole life, means Michael has mastered the art of juggling and has come to accept that it is just one of those things he has to do.
“The way I look at it, it’s about fitting CF into my life, rather than the other way around!”
During his early primary schooling, Michael would give presentations to his classmates on the topic of CF, talking about how it affected him and what was involved.
“Although it was difficult at the time, it made me realise that if everybody was aware of it then they could ask me any questions they wanted to know about CF,” he said.
“Mum and Dad have always encouraged me to be open and honest about the issue of CF – rather than hide it.”
Michael’s parents said that while they were initially devastated when Michael was diagnosed, they decided to fit CF in with their lives, rather than their lives into the demands of CF.
“In turn we encouraged Michael to adopt the attitude that there is nothing that he couldn’t do,” they said.
This 'can do' attitude has seen Michael recently complete a double degree in Business and Health Science at Queensland University of Technology. The interest in partaking in health studies has developed over the years through constant exposure to health care professionals and hospital 'tune-ups.' This exposure helped Michael recognise the efforts and demands of all involved to deliver quality health care services. It is through this recognition that Michael hopes to one day be involved with the management of health care facilities.
For now, Michael currently works part-time in Brisbane for an organisation committed to assisting families, children, the elderly and people in need - and truly appreciates the flexibility he is afforded to continue his career aspirations, yet manage his CF as needed.
Part-time employment keeps Michael busy whilst allowing him to develop a good health care routine to best manage the daily demands of a CF sufferer. Michael also plays squash regularly and participates in a mixed netball team. He understands all too well how important sport and physical activity is to a CF sufferer's overall well-being.
