Joy in Motion: Roland’s CF Journey and Unstoppable Spirit

Roland, 2023

Roland is the kind of kid who fills a room with energy. Whether he's dancing in the living room, singing at the top of his lungs, or diving into the latest video game, he brings his whole heart to whatever he's doing. His curiosity is endless, and so is his joy.

Born prematurely and facing a host of medical challenges from day one, Roland spent the first two months of his life in the NICU. Alongside underdeveloped lungs and an intestinal condition known as apple-peel atresia, he was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at just 2½ weeks old. It was a lot for one tiny body — but Roland had a big spirit from the very beginning.

Over the years, Roland has faced surgeries, G-tube feedings, and the daily complexities of managing life with CF, asthma, and food allergies. But those challenges don’t define him. What defines Roland is his imagination, his laughter, and the way he lights up when talking about camping trips, building with Legos, or jumping into a pool.

He’s a mover, a maker, a dreamer. He loves swimming, exploring the outdoors, and creating new worlds in games and with friends. His family describes him as enthusiastic, active, and endlessly creative — always up for something fun, always adding a little sparkle to the day.

Roland reminds us that strength doesn’t always look like stoicism. Sometimes, it looks like a kid who sings loud, dances freely, and keeps choosing joy — even when the road is hard.

That’s what makes him one of the unforgettable Faces of CF.