Isabel Stenzel Byrnes

Isabel Stenzel Byrnes will present “The Miracle of Breathing: The Science and Personal Story of Cystic Fibrosis and Lung Transplantation” at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21, at the Billings Clinic’s Mary Alice Fortin Conference Center in Billings. The event is free and open to the public.

Cystic fibrosis is one the most common life-threatening inherited genetic disorders, disproportionately affecting people of Caucasian ancestry. Once considered a death sentence, medical advancements have improved patient outcomes and increased life expectancy. Stenzel Byrnes’ talk will include a layman’s overview and personal experience regarding recent scientific advancements in cystic fibrosis treatment and lung transplantation. Her presentation will focus on the clinical aspects of cystic fibrosis, including genetics, pathophysiology and disease management. She will also discuss psychosocial observations about living with the disease, including coping with chronic illnesses, the impact of illness on relationships, the importance of support networks and the wisdom learned from living with a life-threatening illness.

About the Presenter

Isabel Stenzel Byrnes, 43, is an author, patient advocate and social worker from Redwood City, California. She graduated from Stanford University and has a Masters degree in Social Welfare and Public Health from the University of California, Berkeley. Isabel has worked with families affected by cystic fibrosis (CF) for 24 years. Isabel has served as a Board Member for Cystic Fibrosis Research, Inc., and has chaired their educational conference for 10 years; she also is an ambassador for Donor Network West and served on several committees for the United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS). After a lifetime of challenges from cystic fibrosis, Isabel and her late twin Anabel received double lung transplants. Their memoir, "The Power Of Two: A Twin Triumph over Cystic Fibrosis" was published by the University of Missouri Press in 2007, with a subsequent Japanese edition released in Japan in 2009. The twins served as global advocates for cystic fibrosis awareness and organ donation. Their work inspired a documentary film also called "The Power Of Two," which examines the CF and transplant experience in the USA and in Japan. The film is currently available nationwide. In their free time, Isabel enjoys hiking, swimming, backpacking, traveling and spending time with her husband, family and friends.

 

The Café Scientifique was co-sponsored by Montana INBRE and Montana State University COBRE programs.