When I first heard the term tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) , I was overwhelmed. It sounded complicated, almost like a foreign language. But as I learned more, I realized that explaining TBM to my family didn’t have to be confusing or scary. It’s about breaking down the medical jargon into simple, relatable ideas. If you’re trying to do the same, you’re in the right place. I want to share what I’ve learned and how I’ve approached this delicate conversation with honesty and clarit

Living with tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) is a journey filled with uncertainty, challenges, and hope. When I first encountered this condition, I felt overwhelmed and isolated. I dreamed of a community and a cause that gave me purpose: CureTBM. If you’re wondering how to get involved and make a difference, I’m here to share what I’ve learned along the way. This guide is about more than just joining an organization—it’s about becoming part of a movement that can change lives. Why

I still vividly recall the first time that I realized that something was terribly wrong. It was Easter Sunday and only weeks after I had completed one of New England’s toughest mountaineering challenges — summiting all 48 4,000 footers during a single calendar winter. I had never been fitter — or so I thought. And, it was meant to only be an easy pre-meal hike with my young teen and my mountain climbing bunny. But, shortly before the final push to the summit, I noticed that m

Living with tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) is a journey filled with uncertainty, challenges, and moments of hope. I’ve seen firsthand how this condition can affect breathing, daily activities, and overall quality of life. But there’s a beacon of support and progress: the CureTBM mission. It’s more than just a name - it’s a commitment to improving lives through awareness, advocacy, and research. Let me take you through what this means for those affected and how it’s shaping a bet

My Journey with TBM ( You Said I have what )      TRACHEOBRONCHOMALGIA TBM is a rare and often misdiagnosed debilitating disease. It affects your trachea windpipe. It can also affect your bronchi’s It can make it very difficult in breathing upon exertion . It can be challenging to diagnosis unless some deep diving is done, and you are persistent with being your own advocate. Over the years I have had multiple challenges with upper respiratory infections. My parents told me I

My TBM Journey  By Sheryl Ciavardini  My journey started out about 15 years ago. At that time I was teaching kindergarten full time when...

Isabella was born with Tracheomalacia / Bronchomalacia, conditions which many of those born with OA/TOF also suffer from. Thanks to...

My TBM Journey..So Far The first time I remember having to deal with my breathing was about 10 years ago, 2013. I went to the ER as I...

I was relatively healthy before my second pregnancy in 2020. During my pregnancy we dealt with what we thought was just really bad...

tracheobronchomalacia in adults; airway collapse; Dr. Lazzaro; TBM; asthma; severe asthma; barking cough; GERD

"Some babies are just fussy eaters"… I’ll never forget these words from our labor and delivery nurse when after I gave birth to Bowen....

I’ve had asthma all my life, but in 2013 I caught the flu and pneumonia; everything seemed to suddenly be different.  I just could not...

When Hazelynn was about 2 month old, we noticed a congested sound in her throat during feedings. Her pediatrician said not to worry...

Kyle was born in the summer weighing 6 pounds and 6 ounces. He was tiny and perfect. He never cried and slept through the night at 4...

Our Journey With Tracheobronchomalacia In September of 2005, Mason was born at 36 weeks and came out grunting. His retractions and low...

Ever since I can remember, I have had issues with breathing. My Mother always said I had a winter cough. Every cold would go into my...

Meet Lily, who was treated at Boston Children's Hospital as a newborn.

Dean was born with tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) and esophageal atresia (EA). I was enjoying a 5 year wedding anniversary with my...

Our daughter Lauren was born in August 2017. I had a slightly complicated pregnancy with polyhydromnios at the end of pregnancy, and...

After four months, four hotels, and four hospital stays we returned to Tucson from Boston. My husband, Simon, now has a reinforced...