If you would like to support Claire Wineland’s foundation, visit her website at http://clairesplacefoundation.org/ .

The girl’s eyes shine with hope and her smile radiates a positive energy that lights up a room.  She emulates the strength and wisdom of someone far beyond her years. Her thirst for life allows her to appreciate the minutes that go by, as well as the simple things such as the green grass outside and the view she has from her hospital room window.  Calabasas resident Claire Wineland struggles to keep healthy, and she must fight for her life, something that many take for granted.

“Kids with chronic illnesses that have lived with it their entire lives are used to it and they don’t really know anything else,” said Wineland. “Our lives are great no matter what because it’s everything we’ve known. I’ve never really felt sorry for myself.”

While the typical teenager worries about a math test in second period or a party on Saturday night, Wineland battles to stay alive.  Wineland is a thirteen year old girl living with cystic fibrosis, a disease that causes mucus buildup in the lungs and digestive tract.  However, she does not allow her disease inhibit her. Wineland focuses on her dreams of possibly being involved in the medical field or becoming a yoga instructor.

“I love hearing what makes other people happy,” said Wineland. “I think that by hearing the things that keep other people happy, it gives you ideas to be happy. ‘My Favorite Things’ from The Sound of Music is kind of where I get that from.”

Although Wineland has had to overcome many obstacles in her life, those impediments have only made her stronger.  On April 13 2010, she went into lung failure after a surgery and was put onto an Oscillator vent.  No CF patient has ever been able to survive and recover after being put on the vent, but miraculously, Wineland defeated the odds.

“After my big accident in April, I got out of the hospital and the first thing that I wanted to do was go to the beach. It’s my favorite place ever; it’s my special place,” said Wineland.

With the support of family and friends, Wineland recovered from her accident in April and proceeded to accomplish one of her dreams.  The Coast Guard Air Station Sitka granted her wish to fly to Mt.Edgecumbe in Alaska.  Wineland’s doctors believed that she would not be well enough to make the flight, but once again she proved them wrong.

“While I was [in Alaska] I met so many wonderful people. When you’re surrounded by only good people, it changes you,” said Wineland. “You start being kinder to everyone you meet and their goodness starts coming out of you.”

Wineland maintains her optimistic attitude by posting Youtube videos and recording lists of goals and things that she would like to achieve on her Facebook page.  Her “to-do” lists do not consist of “finish English homework” or “go to the mall for new clothes.”  Instead, she hopes to run a mile without running out of breath and to have a chance to swim with dolphins.  The things that most people take for granted, or may not think about at all, are Wineland’s main priorities and goals.

“Everything that happens, happens for a reason,” said Wineland. “I know in my heart of hearts that there’s a reason for it and that none of it is going to waste. Once you figure that out, it’s really empowering.”

Wineland’s strength and positive attitude make her an inspiration to others struggling with diseases like cystic fibrosis.

“My goals for the future would be to travel outside of the United States and go everywhere. I want to travel, I want to go. And I want to know that if I do travel and I do go that I’ll be safe,” said Wineland. “But, I am going to [see the world], and when I do, it’s going to be awesome because I’m going to go everywhere.”

Wineland is simply an ordinary girl who has been met with an extraordinary challenge, and she has proven that it will take much more than an illness to stop her.

Below you can find videos in which Wineland shares her experiences with other cystic fibrosis patients, as well as with the world.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJYCmsovAqc&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcYtpkJo1oc&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pzfv3RfhfRE&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3EyHyeOi5o&list=UUkAQBrfCJpyIvW9Kq8YCCrA&index=8&feature=plcp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yh39WHUyLjI&list=UUkAQBrfCJpyIvW9Kq8YCCrA&index=4&feature=plcp