Marieliz G., IL

Clean air maters to me. I have bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis. Thirty percent of my lungs have holes, and since 2007, the bronchiectasis has spread into my left lung.

I need clean air to live better, not feel like I have to struggle. As I'm writing this, I am doing my fifth breathing treatment of the day. I do this a lot.

People smoke and don't understand what it does to people like me. I stay inside a lot, because being outside is some days more of a challenge to me than others. I want to breathe and inhale the sweet aroma of trees and flowers, not fumes that are so carelessly forced into my already hurt lungs.

Hopefully I can one day, breath a bit easier.