Member-only story
About Me — Ruby Cooke
From Chronic Illness to Travel Freedom
I am writing to you from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. My desk sits at a large window offering me a direct view towards the Petronas Towers. This is my home for two weeks. Before arriving in Malaysia, I spent a month in Thailand and before that, I was solo travelling America and Europe.
I am a nomad, having left Australia for good well over a year ago with my Husband at my side. Together we run an online business supporting Powerlifters globally; he is the Coach and I am the Nutritionist.
This life feels so surreal at times. I haven’t always been afforded freedom like I have now.
When I was born, I was not breathing. I spent my childhood in a hospital bed being treated for Cystic Fibrosis, although never coming back with conclusive results.
Eventually, I was diagnosed as having Common Variable Immuno Deficiency (CIVD) with Underlying Chronic Lung disease. Looking at the data, studies and reports — I did not expect to live a long, or a healthy, life.
By age four, I was placed on regular in-hospital infusions, treatments.. These treatments provided me with quality of life but restricted me in my freedom to move.
I always longed for travel, with decent health in my teens I applied for a three month…
