Lorena's story: Art and CF

Early life

I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at birth due to a bowel obstruction. This meant my first year of life was very touch and go, and I had to undergo multiple abdominal surgeries. Growing up, I remember having to go into hospital twice a year for two-week bouts of antibiotics, as well as additional visits for bowel obstructions that arose, and a diabetes diagnosis at age 13. 

Art as an escape

My parents were always very keen to ensure I still embraced activities I enjoyed and encouraged me to pursue my passion for art. Even during hospital stays, I remember painting and drawing. This started when I had to go into hospital for a month while doing my GCSEs; I found painting during this time very cathartic. 

However, I didn’t know how possible it was to make art my career; I was in hospital a lot, and it seemed like a risky decision to put all my eggs in one basket, so when it came to deciding what to study at university, I chose to study Art and Art History at Edinburgh University; I started this course in 2016. 

Starting Kaftrio

During the pandemic, I went back to my parents to shield; however, in 2021, I was told by my CF team in Edinburgh that I was able to take a new drug called Kaftrio, so I decided to go back to Edinburgh for the final year of my degree. Starting Kaftrio was the start of a new life for me; my quality of life drastically improved, and I was able to spend more time on my art. 

Upon graduating from university, I was selected to showcase my work at the Royal Academy of Scotland, and at the end of October 2021, I got onto a studio place, meaning I was able to pursue my art full time. My work focuses on portraits, taking inspiration from relationships, and the psychology of people.

Hopes for the future

Recently, I was lucky enough to be a finalist in the Portrait Artist of the Year competition, and I have also signed with Marlborough Gallery and plan to showcase my work there in June 2024. 

On top of this, I’d like to keep working on my art practice and showing at spaces in London and internationally, as well as working on projects that I find interesting and inspiring for others. I’d like to have a family in the future, and thanks to Kaftrio, it’s something that I now feel is a possibility.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition which causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system. It affects almost 11,000 people in the UK. One in 25 of us carries the faulty gene that causes it, usually without knowing.

Since 1964, we've supported people with cystic fibrosis to live longer, healthier lives - and we won’t stop until everyone can live without limits imposed by CF.

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