John Franklin

What is CF? Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that: clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections, obstructs the pancreas, and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food. In the 1950s, few children with cystic fibrosis lived to attend elementary school. Today, advances in research and medical treatments have further enhanced and extended life for children and adults with CF. Thanks to tremendous advances in treatments, people with CF can now expect to live a much fuller and productive life  

People with CF can have a variety of symptoms, including: a very salty-tasting skin;persistent coughing, at times with phlegm;frequent lung infections; wheezing or shortness of breath; poor growth/weight gain in spite of a good appetite; and frequent greasy, bulky stools or difficulty in bowel movements.About 1,000 new cases of cystic fibrosis are diagnosed each year. More than 70% of patients are diagnosed by age two.
Nearly 50% of the CF patient population is now age 18 or older.  Since 1955, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has been the driving force behind the pursuit of a cure. Thanks to the dedication and financial backing of our patients, families and friends, as well as clinicians, researchers, volunteers, individual donors, corporations and staff, we are making a difference. Our goal is to make CF stand for Cure Found!!!

Please support me!

We are at a pivotal moment in the history of cystic fibrosis and your support matters. Your gift will help add tomorrows to the lives of people with cystic fibrosis by supporting groundbreaking research and medical progress towards a cure. Please help me reach my fundraising goal!

UNTIL IT'S DONE!