Cystic Fibrosis Month 2023

Cystic Fibrosis Month raises awareness about cystic fibrosis (CF). This month is sponsored by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF). Raising funds for future research is a priority; people are made aware of progress being made towards a cure.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic, life-threatening disease which affects the digestive and respiratory systems. CF occurs in about one in 3500 live births. In the US, approximately 30,000 people have CF, whilst over 10 million people carry the defective CF gene but have no symptoms.

The primary symptom of cystic fibrosis, is the production of a thick, sticky, mucus. Mucus clogs the lungs causing persistent coughing and frequent lung infections which can be life threatening.

Thick sticky mucus can also obstruct the pancreas, stopping natural enzymes from breaking down food. As less food is absorbed by the body, this leads to complications including poor growth and weight gain. Stools are often greasy and bulky; problems with bowel movements can also arise.

As most babies are now screened for cystic fibrosis, the awareness campaigns are more focussed on providing support towards treatments and finding a cure.

'Great Strides', is the main awareness and fund raising event of the CFF, in which people walk at one of the many organized events throughout the US. In 2011, over $38 million dollars was raised.

In a world of increasing multimedia, CFF have embraced new technologies to raise awareness of cystic fibrosis.

They offer a free iPhone app which can be downloaded from the iTunes App store.

This app educates both people interested in volunteering for the CFF and new donors, about CF and the CF Foundation.

CFF also has a popular Facebook page, a Twitter, and YouTube account.

For further information visit the CFF Awareness Webpage.