# @cf_foundation on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/C7MgOgkqk03
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/29212844-cf-foundation-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/047e92b75c.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-05-20T15:30:14.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (@cf_foundation) — https://gondola.cc/cf_foundation

## Caption

At the age of 14, RJ Thompson, an adult with cystic fibrosis, participated in his first research trial. Over the past 25 years since then, he has participated in at least 12 trials.

“I believe in being a part of a community — be it a CF community or otherwise,” RJ said. “I also believe that, if I'm healthy enough, I have an obligation to assist researchers in progressing or advancing therapies and cure research, as much as I can. So, I try to stay active, fit, and healthy enough to participate in the trials that I can and that they may have trouble recruiting for. Ironically enough, the state of my health, if positive, can also exclude me from some trials — so I contribute where I can.”

While participating in a clinical trial may not always be fun or easy, RJ feels the experience can be meaningful and rewarding, nonetheless. His advice for others who are considering participating in a clinical trial?

“Understand your motivations and your comfort levels within those motivations. Not participating in any trial, regardless of the state of your health, is OK! This work is not for everyone — and it is certainly work for the patient. Not everyone can handle it or wants to handle it. Know that you are receiving the absolute best care possible and that you have all the power — if you want to step down at any time and discontinue — you can do that and should feel empowered to know that it's your right and that those are options available to you.” #ClinicalTrialsDay

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## Tags

clinicaltrialsday

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