Ms. Gretchen Maiorana

Great Strides...in research and development

The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is to cure cystic fibrosis and to provide all people with the disease the opportunity to lead full, productive lives by funding research and drug development, promoting individualized treatment and ensuring access to high-quality, specialized care. Virtually every approved CF drug available today was made possible with CF Foundation support.

    1962: The median predicted age of survival is 10.

    1978: The number of Foundation-accredited care centers totals more than 100.

    1980: The median predicted age of survival is 18.

    1989: A team of Foundation-supported scientists discovers the defective CF gene and its protein product (CFTR) years before the human genome is mapped. This discovery opens the door to understanding the disease at its most basic level.

    2000: The median predicted age of survival is 32.

    2007: Foundation launches its first March on the Hill to help educate elected officials about the need for continued funding for the NIH, FDA and other drug development and research programs.

    2013: Two large international Phase 3 trials of Kalydeco in combination with lumacaftor (formerly VX-809) in people with two copies of the most common CF mutation (like Zach), begin.

    2015: People with CF are living into their 30s, 40s and beyond.

Every dollar counts, every donation matters, and all the support/advocacy/awareness is TRULY appreciated and meaningful in the lives of those affected directly by CF. We will not stop fighting until CF stands for 'Cure Found'. We have the unique ability to effect REAL change in the CF community and in Zach's lifetime. Zach is a strong boy, a caring son, a beautiful friend, and an incredibly hard worker for his health! He has CF, but CF does NOT have him.

Ways that your donation can add up...

Make your own $25 contribution

Ask five neighbors for $15 each ($75)

Ask your boss to contribute $50

Ask five co-workers like a jeans day for $10 each ($50)

Ask three family members for $25 each ($75)

Ask two businesses for $50 each ($100)

Ask five friends for $15 each ($75)