AMHERST – When about 200 Souhegan High School seniors graduate Friday evening, they will look young, strong and beaming with good health.

But looks can be deceiving. One of the graduates, a graceful girl with a sweet, friendly smile, has struggled all her short life with a nasty – and so far, incurable – disease.

Rosie Garvey has cystic fibrosis, a rare genetic condition that interferes with lung and digestive functions by causing buildups of thick, sticky mucus.

As if the CF wasn’t bad enough, Garvey developed juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in her sophomore year. When the arthritis strikes, she sometimes can’t stand or walk.

She also has diabetes, a common complication of CF.

For a student who takes pride in her academic achievements, she says the hardest part is missing a lot of school. This year, she was out 30 days, and there were 60 days when she had to go in late or leave early.

But that hasn’t stopped Garvey from making the honor roll year after year and being an all-around active school citizen. She is a member of the National Honor Society and played fall and spring sports – field hockey and track and field – and was vice president of the school’s Community Council this year.

In September, she’ll head to Clark University in Worcester, Mass., to study psychology, and she says she’s looking forward to focusing on her favorite subject. But there’s an understandable amount of anxiety, too.

What worries Garvey is the prospect of not being able to get out of bed when there is no mom or sister to help.

But for the most part, she’s independent, and in charge of her own day-to-day medical care, including the 30 pills she takes each day – medication to relieve pain, boost her immune system and provide the enzymes her body has trouble producing itself. There is also a nebulizer to inhale and a special vest to loosen the mucus.

Garvey sees a slew of doctors – one appointment a week on average, which also takes a lot of time.

“I don’t let it get me down,” said Garvey, who said she’s grateful for her understanding teachers.

When Garvey isn’t studying or playing sports, she likes to sew and makes a lot of her own clothes. Photography is another hobby – especially in the summer, when her family takes their annual trip to Ireland, where she was born.

When hanging out with friends, the subject of her disease seldom comes up.

“It’s a downer,” she said with a smile.

Dean of Students Peter Gagnon said Garvey has persevered through several challenges over the last four years.

“We love her to pieces,” he said. “In the face of adversity, she continues to represent the best of what Souhegan has to offer.”

Kathy Cleveland can be reached at 673-3100 or kcleveland@cabinet.com.

Newsletter