NZ Woman with Cystic Fibrosis to Attempt Ironman After Life-Changing Drug Access

Kirsty Parsons, a Taupō athlete living with cystic fibrosis, is aiming to become the first New Zealand woman with the condition to complete an Ironman triathlon on March 7th in her hometown.

Parsons’ journey to the Ironman is inextricably linked to access to the drug Trikafta, which she began taking in 2018 while participating in a clinical trial in England. Cystic fibrosis, a genetic condition affecting approximately 500 New Zealanders, has no cure, but Trikafta addresses the underlying cause of the disease, significantly improving quality of life. Before starting the medication, Parsons described her health as rapidly deteriorating. “I was in my early 20s, so there was lots of living I wanted to do and keeping up with all my friends. I was just living life the most I could, but obviously that took a toll on my health,” she said.

The impact of Trikafta was immediate. “It was like being picked up and put in a brand new shiny body where everything worked,” Parsons explained. “All of my symptoms kind of just dropped away within the week.” She continued to receive the drug after returning to New Zealand in 2021, and gained full public access when Pharmac began funding Trikafta for those aged six and up in April 2023. Last month, Pharmac announced provisional funding for children aged 2 to 5.

The Ironman represents a “full-circle moment” for Parsons. As a teenager, she was inspired by Ironman New Zealand, and Cystic Fibrosis New Zealand (CFNZ) sponsored the event during her youth. Athlete Patrick Bristowe served as her “Ironman buddy,” and she ran alongside him down the finish chute. “Watching Ironman as a child was quite an inspiration,” she said.

Currently, Parsons trains approximately 12 hours per week, sometimes exceeding that commitment. In the past month alone, she has swum 16km, cycled 640km, and run 83km, taking advantage of training on the actual Ironman course in Taupō. She hopes completing the race will demonstrate that individuals with cystic fibrosis are not limited by their condition and will inspire other young people with CF to pursue ambitious goals.

Parsons’ brother, Duncan Parsons, will be competing alongside her. She is too using the Ironman as a fundraising opportunity for CFNZ, and is nearing her initial goal of $10,000, with consideration of increasing it to $20,000. She highlighted the crucial role of CFNZ in advocating for Trikafta funding and providing support to those affected by cystic fibrosis and their families.

Simone Brown, executive lead at CFNZ, stated that adults within the cystic fibrosis community are “pushing boundaries and set incredibly high bars for achievement.” She added, “It not only demonstrates the strength and resilience of living with cystic fibrosis but shines a bright light on the potential life and future that our younger generations can gaze forward to and be inspired by.” CFNZ will be supporting Parsons throughout the race, viewing it as “such an exciting moment for our community.”

Parsons acknowledged the profound support of her family, particularly her father, whose pride in her accomplishment would be immense, given the toll her condition has taken on them. Her mother has since passed away.

Those wishing to support Parsons’ fundraising efforts can visit her Givealittle page.