During CF Awareness Month, Emily’s Entourage invites members of the cystic fibrosis (CF) community to share their stories. Today’s blog post highlights the story of Mel Kotlyar, an adult with CF. 

Life often has a way of throwing us into a whirlwind of challenges and obstacles, but it’s how we navigate through them that truly defines who we are. My journey began at just 15 months old when I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic disease that threatened to overshadow my aspirations and dreams. As a baby, I struggled to gain weight and thrive, leaving my parents with the heart-wrenching decision to uproot our lives from the cold climates of Canada to the warmth of California, all in pursuit of a healthier environment for me to grow.

Growing up, I yearned to be like the other kids, free from the burdens of taking countless enzymes with every meal and enduring nebulized treatments multiple times a day. However, life had different plans for me. High school brought with it a frightening reality when I was hospitalized due to a severe lung infection and dehydration. It was then that the harsh truth dawned on me — the conventional path of college and a regular job seemed like a distant dream.

But within every setback lies an opportunity for growth and transformation. At the tender age of 18, I decided to embrace my entrepreneurial spirit and embarked on a journey of building my first company. It was a leap of faith, a daring move into the unknown, but one that ignited a spark within me.

I chose to take the path less traveled, daring to dream of a life filled with adventure, purpose, and impact.

Music became my solace, a sanctuary amidst the chaos of CF. Inspired by my passion for music and influenced by my mother’s holistic view of wellness, I delved into the world of vocal wellness remedies, sending me on a journey into developing my own remedy, now called Vocal Eze. Discovering Vocal Eze was a game-changer. It soothed my throat after hours of relentless coughing and ignited a mission within me — to share the gift of vocal wellness with the world.

Life took an unexpected turn when I met my wife, Kate, on the picturesque island of Roatan in Honduras in 2007. Our love story blossomed, culminating in marriage in 2014. As I entered into this partnership and committed relationship, in the back of my mind, I thought to myself, “Is she going to want to be with somebody with a chronic disease that could affect multiple facets of the relationship? Is she going to be understanding and patient and caring or is it going to wear her down?” I would soon find out that our relationship, grounded in open and honest communication, would only become stronger with any challenges we faced, CF-related or beyond.

We embarked on our marriage and business journey together, and opportunities began to unfold. From traveling the world to supporting musicians backstage during tours, every endeavor felt like a step closer to fulfilling our dreams. And amidst the uncertainty of the pandemic, Kate and I dared to dream even bigger. In 2020, we converted a sprinter van into a camper and set off on a cross-country adventure, embracing the freedom to explore and live life on our own terms.

But our journey doesn’t end there. Today, I am participating in clinical trials for CF, contributing to the quest for a breakthrough that eludes the remaining 10% of people with CF, including myself. Furthermore, I have embedded this passion into my work so that every purchase of our remedies supports organizations like Emily’s Entourage, bringing us one step closer to a future where CF is a thing of the past. We must dream together, and we must act together.

Every single day, I choose to dream, to create a life that I am proud of, with outcomes and hopes. By choosing to look ahead, I root myself simultaneously into what is right now and what I can do to create this future.

We dream of a world where CF is conquered, where every individual is free to pursue their passions without the burden of illness weighing them down.

As we continue on this journey, let us never forget to cherish the moments, celebrate the victories, and, above all, never stop dreaming. For it is in daring to dream that we discover the true essence of our humanity — resilience, hope, and the unwavering spirit to persevere against all odds.

In support of CF Awareness Month, 15% of proceeds made through this link will be donated to support our mission at Emily’s Entourage. 

Author

Mel Kotlyar, diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at 15 months, embraces challenges to make him stronger. Born to immigrant parents, he thrives on creativity and innovation, founding companies, and authoring a book on entrepreneurship. Residing in Grand Rapids, MI, with his wife, he prioritizes mental and physical health so he can continue to make a positive impact on the world.