At one point in his journey with cystic fibrosis, Marc Cotterill experienced a rapid loss in lung function. In fact, it dropped to just 29%. As his health worsened, Marc was given compassionate access to Kaftrio in March. What he didn’t know at the time was how much this triple combination therapy (ivacaftor, texacaftor, and elexacaftor) would change his life for the better. Now, Marc is celebrating the news that Kaftrio will soon become available to the cystic fibrosis community within the U.K. by releasing his new song, “Thousand Years.”
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is a recessive genetic disorder which results in progressively worse respiratory and digestive system function. While “healthy” mucus is slippery, patients with cystic fibrosis have thick mucus which accumulates throughout their system. As a result, bacteria pools in certain areas, causing damage, infections, and difficulty breathing or absorbing nutrients. Symptoms include shortness of breath, persistent coughing, frequent lung infections, difficulty gaining weight, constipation, and salty skin. Learn more about cystic fibrosis here.
“Thousand Years” by Marc Cotterill
Marc’s Experience with Cystic Fibrosis
According to Marc, his lung function didn’t start to decline until he was in his 20s. By age 28, he had difficulty exercising; it made him fatigued and out of breath. Later, his condition led to hospitalization after his lung collapsed.
Prior to Kaftrio, Marc took Orkambi. But unfortunately, it was ineffective in protecting his lung function and preventing further damage. According to Marc, he worked to maintain his health through medications and exercising, but:
“I was having to do 5-6 hours of [physiotherapy and nebulisers] every day just to function.”
As his condition worsened, Marc attempted other options, such as IV therapy for chest infections. But when his veins narrowed and collapsed, he instead required a port. However, even the port came with some downfalls; after 18 months, there was a blockage in his artery, causing pain. Without Kaftrio, Marc would have undergone surgery to build a stronger vein for IV use.
Soon after he was approved for Kaftrio, his health turned around quickly. Within one day of taking the medication:
“I experienced a purge of mucus during the first day and had the best nights sleep I have ever had. The next day, I woke with no cough for the first time in over 20 years.”
His lung function improved. Marc began to wake up early for gardening, something that was previously impossible. His appetite rose and he experienced heightened energy. In fact, Marc’s life changed so drastically that he refers to Kaftrio as the ninth wonder of the world!
Now, he feels as though he is “living life with a thousand years ahead,” which inspired his song. On June 30, the United Kingdom National Health Service (NHS) agreed to fund Kaftrio. Now, the cystic fibrosis community can celebrate together.
Pre-Order “Thousand Years”
“Thousand Years” is now available for pre-order! You can find it on Apple Music / iTunes. You can also hear the song about 2 minutes in on his Facebook page.
On July 10, 2020, Marc released a video on Facebook featuring some of the vibrant members of the UK cystic fibrosis community. Check it out!
Additionally, “Thousand Years” will be available for streaming, downloading, and purchasing on October 7, 2020, so keep your eyes (and ears) open!
Want to learn more about Marc? Hear his music or connect with him further here.
