Nicole “Colie” Kohr is an award-winning author, speaker, and advocate, known on social media as @cystic4real. Through her nonprofit, Colie Creations Inc., Nicole uses storytelling to champion the needs of patients and foster children. Her passion for storytelling began in childhood, where her experiences as a pediatric patient revealed the power of stories as a way to cope. Guided by her mother’s creativity, Nicole learned early on that stories can be healing.
Living with cystic fibrosis, Nicole faced significant health challenges, and when her lung function dropped to 11%, she underwent a life-saving bilateral lung transplant. This experience led her to openly share her journey on social media, inspiring thousands with her openness. Today, Nicole uses her voice to build understanding between the chronically ill and able-bodied communities.
As an active foster parent, Nicole is also leading an educational program aimed at supporting both parents and children in the foster care system. She serves as the volunteer engagement chair for the Eastern/Central N.C. Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Nicole and her husband, Jared, are seeking to expand their family through open adoption and are hoping to connect with an expectant parent or recent birth parent. To learn more about Nicole and Jared’s adoption journey, check out their blog and YouTube channel.
