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; and

• 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. Many people with the disease can now expect to live into their 30s, 40s and beyond.

Statistics

• About 1,000 new cases of cystic fibrosis are diagnosed each year.

• More than 70% of patients are diagnosed by age two.

• More than 40% of the CF patient population is age 18 or older.

• The predicted median age of survival for a person with CF is more than 37 years.

Since 1955, the mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - the only nation-wide organization dedicated to the disease - is to assure the development of the means to cure and control cystic fibrosis (CF) and to improve the quality of life for those with the disease. The CF Foundation is a top-rated, four-star, non-profit charity that is both efficient in fundraising as well as in developing drug treatments that directly benefit their patients. The CF Foundation has been recognized many times for its efficiency, so you can trust that your contribution goes directly towards a cure.

When the CF Foundation began, few children lived to attend elementary school. Thanks to the research and care supported
by the CF Foundation, the median age of survival for a person
with CF is now almost 38 years. While it is a remarkable improvement, it is not good enough as we continue to lose precious lives every year to cystic fibrosis.

To learn more about the CF Foundation, click here.