Over the course of five years, the Up for Air documentary team followed Jerry Cahill as he lived his everyday life; an everyday life unique compared to many. Throughout this documented journey, Jerry demonstrates how a positive attitude, relentless self-discipline, and physical perseverance allow him to battle cystic fibrosis and consistently overcome the odds set against him.
After being diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at a young age, Jerry set forth on a path, never allowing himself to waiver from becoming a success at whatever he set his mind to do. Through the years he has proven himself to be an athlete, a coach, a successful businessman, a CF advocate, and now, at 60 years old, one of the oldest living CF patients. His lifelong dedication to physical fitness aided in his fight against respiratory degeneration, hospitalization, and daily medical treatments. In spite of undergoing a double lung transplant and its complications, Jerry continues to succeed with the support of his friends, family, and the rest of the CF community.
So follow Jerry on this journey as he discovers his strengths and weaknesses, his fears and his fortitude – you are guaranteed to be inspired to live your own success story after seeing this man’s journey to rise above his challenges and come Up for Air.
Cahill has volunteered at the Boomer Esiason Foundation since 2004. He plays an integral role in all BEF efforts in the CF community. Jerry, 59 years old and living with CF, heads up the BEF scholarship and transplant grant programs, and he hosts a podcast series and the CF Wind Sprint video series. Under his leadership, the Foundation launched the Exercise For Life Scholarship and Team Boomer-Fighting Cystic Fibrosis athletic program. He is living, literal breathing proof that people living with CF can have a fulfilling life.
On April 18, 2012, Jerry received a life-saving double lung transplant and ran in Boomer's CF Run to Breathe only three months later. He truly is an inspiration to all those at BEF and in the CF community.
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