Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life‐threatening genetic disease that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. An estimated 33,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide) have CF. An additional 10 million people —about one in every 31 Americans —are symptom-less carriers of the defective CF gene.
People with CF inherit a defective gene that causes a buildup of thick mucus in the lungs, pancreas and other organs. When mucus clogs the lungs, it can become very difficult to breathe. The thick mucus also traps bacteria in the airways, which can result in infections and inflammation and often leads to severe lung damage, and eventually, respiratory failure. Respiratory problems are the most serious and persistent complication for people with CF.
In the pancreas, the buildup of mucus prevents the release of digestive enzymes that help the body break down food and absorb important nutrients. People with CF often have malnutrition and poor growth.
What Is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation?
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 treatments, and ensuring access to high quality, specialized care.
When the CF Foundation was established in 1955, most children with CF did not live to attend elementary school. Due in large part to the Foundation’s aggressive investments in innovative research and comprehensive care, today, many people with CF are living into their 30s, 40s and beyond.
A Model of Innovation
The CF Foundation is the world’s leader in the search for a cure for CF and comprises a cohesive team of individuals working together —patients, their families and friends, medical professionals, researchers, donors, volunteers and staff —all who will not rest until a cure is found.
We fund more CF research than any other organization, and nearly every CF drug available today was made possible because of Foundation support. We are a nonprofit donor‐supported organization dedicated to attacking cystic fibrosis from every angle. Our focus is to support the development of new drugs to fight the disease, improve the quality of life for those with CF, and ultimately to find a cure.
