What is Cystic Fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that affects the lungs, pancreas and other organs. CF impacts around 40,000 children and adults in the US.
One of the main symptoms of CF is a thick mucus that forms in various organs. This is due to the body being unable to help move chloride, a component of salt, to the cell surface. This mucus can lead to infections, inflammation, respiratory failure, and other complications. Avoiding germs is one of the top concerns for CF patients.
In the pancreas the mucus disrupts the ability for the person to digest and absorb food properly. This can cause malnutrition and poor growth.
While there is no cure for CF, modern medicine has come a long way in treating it. Today, there are a few medications that can lessen or even eliminate symptoms. Life expectancy has drastically increased for people with CF. In the 1950's a child with CF rarely lived long enough to attend elementary school. Today, people are living well into adulthood!
These advancements are only possible because of people like you! Our goal is to be a small part in helping fight back this disease and allow children all across the country to have happy and healthy lives!
