Living with Cystic Fibrosis in Lebanon: Rita’s Story

Rita, 30, lives in Lebanon with her mother and sister, where daily life is shaped by both ongoing conflict and chronic illness. In this video, she shares memories of fleeing their home during the war, the realities of living with cystic fibrosis, and the small moments of warmth and humor that continue to sustain her family. She also reflects on how access to treatment through Anera has helped improve their lives amid ongoing uncertainty.

“I really love making coffee. But my mother worries a lot that I might get burned by the gas. I will carry it like this, so it doesn’t fall, okay? No, it will fall from your hand! Hold it properly. Don’t worry, I will carry it like this. What would you like me to cook for you tomorrow? You told us yesterday that you cooked zucchini. Don’t say that, Hisham (Anera’s cameraman) doesn’t like zucchini.

My name is Rita, and I am 30 years old. I was raised in this beautiful, humble family, made up of my father, my mother, and my sister. God blessed me with the most beautiful sister in the world. My father passed away. Losing him was a huge loss for all of us. The support we always leaned on… was gone. My sister and my mother are my support in this life.

Lebanon has gone through very difficult times during the war, and we are still living through it. The hardest moment was when we had to flee our home, in fear and panic. We left the house wearing our pajamas and slippers. Because my sister and I are both patients, our focus was on taking the breathing machine, and the essential medications. We didn’t think about the rest of our belongings, or any other medications.

I will show you our emergency escape bag, prepared in case we ever have to evacuate again. My sister and I were both born with the same illness, cystic fibrosis. But thankfully, with medical advancements, we are now able to take the treatment we need. This medicine came from Anera, and it changed our lives for the better. Maria, don’t take from my box. Use your own box!”