H/T hotair: He had Cystic Fibrosis, he was only 41.
Update: Here’s Barnett writing in 2006 about cystic fibrosis.
At one point during my interview, the questioner asked me if I expected to see a cure to CF in my lifetime. I answered no, but that it doesn’t really matter. When you see death up close, a couple of things become clear. One is that we all die, and that death is just part of the deal. The other is that life is such a blessing, that’s it just so great, even though you know the inevitable might be near you still want as many bites of the apple as possible.
None of us know what the future of the salt water treatment might be. My health will maintain its current state indefinitely in the truest sense of the term. The good times could continue for years, or it could all crash tomorrow.
But regardless, this treatment has given me time - time to spend with my wife and family and friends. Time to hit golf balls (usually sideways, but even that’s alright). Time to chase my dogs around the house. Time that frankly I didn’t expect to have. There could be no greater gift, and it’s a miracle in so many ways.
I honor Dean’s memory and lift his family up to God. When someone wonders about the “quality of life” one of these physically challenged children will have, tell them the story of Dean Barnett, and his great miraculous life! Thanks be to God for the miracle of love, and life, and Dean...