Cystic Fibrosis is a life-threatening disease that starts at birth. The child can get it if both parents are carriers of defective CF gene. Mucus builds up in the lungs and organs or a person with Cystic Fibrosis and this causes their organs and lungs to shut down and many people have to get transplants; but even transplants will not heal Cystic Fibrosis because Cystic Fibrosis dwells in the cells. Over 30,000 children and adults in the United States alone has been diagnosed with CF. There is no known cure for Cystic Fibrosis for the time being. There are many diets, therapies, and hospital care that can help with people live with this disease. Many people have passed away very young due to this disease. A young girl who grew up in Tyler just recently passed away after having a lung transplant that her body rejected. She was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis as a toddler, and had to live a large amount of her life in hospitals and clinics. She was only 23 when she passed away. She lived with Cystic Fibrosis and knew the dangers and reality of the disease but she celebrated and made the most of the life that she was given to live.
Cystic Fibrosis is closer than we know. There are many things we can do to help with the research of Cystic Fibrosis. In 1955 The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation was founded. At that time children with CF were not expected to live longer than a few years old. The study of this disease has come a long way but they still have not found a cure and many people are passing away due to this disease. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports scientists and doctors that are searching for a cure. They run on support and donations. There have been many different businesses in Tyler that has raised money for this foundation. McAlister’s Deli, Double Dave’s Pizza, and many other places have had events to raise money to support the search of CF. the CF foundation has an annual walk at different locations in East Texas. The next event coming to East Texas is at the new BJ’s restaurant. They are opening their doors to many different invited guests to eat from their special complimentary menu, but ask that everyone that eats there gives a donation to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
These events are a great way to reach out to our community and the many people that are suffering or have lost loved one due to this disease. You can be a part of something great! If you want to know more about the foundation, the disease, or want to know how to donate to the cause you can get more information at www.cff.org.