Cystic Fibrosis: An Athlete’s Story

Zack DeBaltzo is a coach and athlete at CrossFit Apogee in Gibsonton, Florida. The 29-year-old found CrossFit when a nearby barber suggested he give it a shot. On DeBaltzo’s first day, affiliate owner Don Moss made him feel right at home—even with the oxygen tank DeBaltzo was carting beside him. DeBaltzo has cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that affects the lungs and makes breathing difficult. “I work out with oxygen,” DeBaltzo says, “and coming out here to the field for the first time, Don immediately