What is C.F.

When speaking about Cystic Fibrosis it is critical that people truly understand, that not only is it a chronic and progressive disease, but one that manifests differently in all those affected.

C.F. Breakdown

Number Afflicted:
Approx. 30,000

Life Expectancy:
50 percent of those afflicted with CF live to be 30.

Cure:
Currently none available

Cause:
Genetic mutation

Symptoms:
Very salty-tasting skin; excessive appetite coupled with poor weight gain; bulky foul smelling stools; persistent coughing, wheezing or pneumonia.

Characteristics:
Abundant production of very thick and sticky mucus providing a perfect breeding ground for infections and blockages throughout the body.

Although it appears a "small" number of people are afflicted with this disease, the numbers would be much greater if it were not quite so toxic, progressive and quickly terminal.

Although the disease manifests itself in many ways, for children with CF, the two main affected areas are the digestive and respiratory systems.

In the digestive system, mucus plugging blocks the release of enzymes from the pancreas causing malabsorption and subsequently a failure to thrive. Supplemental enzymes and at times feeding tubes are needed to ensure that the child is able to maintain nutritional/caloric status.

However it is the chronic, constant infections and buildup of mucus plugging in the lung tissue that eventually lead to the destruction of the lungs and ultimate death for these children. CF is a cruel disease that requires the child to engage in a life long battle - a battle that never ends.