<Deborah here> I know it’s tempting to tell Joe “You’ve got this!”, or “Failure is not an option”, or even worse “God heals everything” — but honestly not empathetic or helpful. The reality is that THIS.SHIT.IS.HARD.  And scary. And it hurts like a mother-effer.

What happens if Joe has a setback? Does that mean he didn’t work hard enough or that God (for whatever reason) decided to pile it on Joe a little more? I believe folks mean well, but please think a little about what you are saying and what it means.

Instead of responding with unhelpful platitudes, do something in Joe’s honor. Make sure you’re an organ donor (and enourage everyone you know to become a donor), give blood, donate even $5 to a cause that is researching and curing CF. 

Or, do something to help Jennifer and Joe directly. Donate to their fundraiser. Doordash them dinner one night. All these are more helpful than “You’ve got this”.