My Account
Josh Chase, 27, is a personal trainer with a love of exercise and being at the gym.
Fitness is also vital to his wellbeing, as the Arkles Bay resident has cystic fibrosis (CF).
CF is a progressive, genetic condition that causes a build-up of sticky mucus in the lungs. There is no cure, and life expectancy for people with CF is less than half that of the average New Zealander.
Despite being in and out of hospital over the years and getting used to the idea of a lung transplant, Josh has continued to push against all the odds. His philosophy is that “just because you got dealt a crappy hand doesn’t mean you automatically lose – you just have to play it out”.
He is also excited at positive moves to make the drug Trikafta accessible to more people with CF. Last month pharmaceutical company Vertex submitted its application to have Trikafta funded in New Zealand.
Josh says the drug has the potential to greatly increase lung capacity which could be life-saving.
“Now we are playing a waiting game, but I’m very hopeful,” he says.
Recently Josh has taken up powerlifting, and is in the middle of training, at home in lockdown, for a competition on the North Shore in November.
As soon as lockdown ends he’ll be back in the gym for 1-2 hours each day.
His motivation is especially high, as his training is also a way to bring in donations for Cystic Fibrosis NZ’s Sweatember fundraiser.
Josh also took part in the inaugural Sweatember last year, raising around $1400. This year his goal is $2000.
Sweatember challenges New Zealanders to commit to any sweaty activity in September to get fit and raise money to support people living with CF. It could be a daily walk, run, or cycling – whatever challenge you like – and can be done in a group or on your own.
Info: https://sweatember.org.nz/
To donate in support of Josh’s efforts, https://sweatember.org.nz/joshchase
