Testimony: chronic disease and confinement

I am breaking the fourth wall today to bring you into my life for a few moments. For several months, I have been fortunate and privileged enough to be confined and able to work from home, like many of my colleagues and friends. A situation which I know is unfortunately not given to everyone today.

I have Cystic Fibrosis, a chronic hereditary disease that mainly affects the lungs and the digestive system, and I am one of the people at high risk for COVID-19 contamination.

I’ve been adapting, like everyone else, to this surprisingly slow and sedentary lifestyle, with a little extra care. I would like to tell you that I have been approaching this situation with philosophy and patience. But my reality often catches up with me, between my calls and my emails. The fear of seeing my breath deteriorate quickly is omnipresent; so, I constantly tune in with my body. I’ve been doing it for 28 years, but today, taking the time to do so is even more precious, as it is a preventive measure in a future that could not be more uncertain. I’ve fought many battles against Cystic Fibrosis since I was born, all won with the help of competent hospital staff, family and friends. But this spring feels a bit different, because this fight strongly depends on everyone’s daily actions.

Working for a company like Bota Bota means thinking about well-being, that of others and my own, on a daily basis. Throughout the year, I have tried to make you dream and educate you through my various content, in the hopes that they would soothe and relax you. I care about what matters to our wonderful community, to you, our dear readers, our customers. I am fortunate to be able to continue from the comfort of my home, to make you travel, in particular thanks to our new Meditative Imagery capsules, and to offer you relief in these uncertain times.

This is why I am also very proud to deploy my creative efforts to help the CHUM, which works tirelessly to care for those who need it. This establishment has a special place in the heart of Bota Bota: in December of 2018, I accompanied our massage therapists who came to voluntarily massage patients with Cystic Fibrosis in order to offer them a bit of relaxation.

Today, we wish to lend a hand to the CHUM teams, by donating 10% of our gift card sales.

The Bota Bota and CHUM are two places that take care, each in their own way, of our bodies and souls. If I testify today it is because I know the power and the value of these two institutions thanks to the positive impact that they have had in my life, in my personal and professional journeys. Glimmers of hope, lighthouses in a turbulent sea.

Sitting on my terrace this morning, I saw a rainbow in my glass of water. Discreet, but perfectly present.

Photo: Thibault Carron