In the mid-1990s, many in the United States were first exposed to the somewhat strange juxtaposition of choreographed leg flailing and still upper bodies. This was, of course, Riverdance. This Irish dance production made its star performer Michael Flatley, into a megastar and a household name. However, today, a different star is making headlines. Her name is Katie Murphy.

People are talking about her because she performs an incredibly physically demanding show while also suffering from cystic fibrosis (CF).

At the age of just three, Katie was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, which causes the mucus in her body to accumulate in her lungs. This mucus is also thicker and stickier than healthy mucus, which results in difficulties with digestion and respiration.

According to Katie, she has been able to maintain a healthy lifestyle by strictly following her doctor’s prescribed treatment and advice, which can take as much as three hours every day.

The treatment involves breathing into a special piece of equipment to help keep her airways clear and mucus free. Getting enough vital nutrients from her diet is also challenging because cystic fibrosis will block the distribution of an important enzyme used in digestion.

Despite these hardships, she still manages to perform a physically demanding show.

Ireland has the highest concentration of people with CF per capita. Scientists are divided on why over 5 percent of the Irish carry the gene and approximately 1,200 people suffer from the disease. Most agree that it has something to do with the isolated nature of the island nation.

Let’s wish Katie a long, happy career on the stage.

Read more about Katie Murphy by clicking here.

How have treatment and healthy habits helped you fight a disease and continue doing what you love? Please post on Patient Worthy.

To learn more about CF, check out our partners CysticLife and Strawfie Challenge.