Jonathan Despinidic Takes Over Cure4CF
Jonathan Despinidic
Jonathan Despinidic, or JD, was looking at a very short life expectancy after being diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at the age of 13. Now at 33 years old, he is one of only 653 adults living with CF over the age of 30.
Although starting his own business at 21, he experienced mental health issues due to anxiety for most of his 20s and as a consequence of his changed mindset post-diagnosis, was living and taking risks without any consideration for the possible fallouts. He decided enough was enough after admission into hospital for a partially collapsed lung and pneumonia with a cloud of debt hanging over his head and sought to turn his life around.
He channelled his energy into working on a revolutionary finance app with his business partner and becoming an inspiring tech entrepreneur, raising enough capital to launch their business in the first 12 months in 2019.
If this rise to success isn’t inspiring enough, he also plans to launch a podcast called ‘You Can’t Catch This’ addressing the stigma attached to chronic illness.
Now, to stay as fit and healthy as possible and raise funds and awareness for Cystic Fibrosis, Jonathan challenges himself to walk a million steps (that’s 780km) each year with a group he began over 18 months ago called ‘Step on CF’. Since he set the goal he’s not only smashed it, he’s still walking!