About Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common fatal genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults. It is estimated that 1 in every 25 Canadians is a carrier of the gene responsible for causing CF. At present there is no cure or control for the disease.
Cystic fibrosis primarily attacks the respiratory and digestive systems causing severe breathing problems and difficulty digesting food. Thick mucus builds up in the lungs and other organs impairing their function until they can no longer work at all. To maintain the best possible level of health, children with CF must do rigorous physiotherapy and exercise daily and take fistfuls of medications each day. The treatments help to loosen and clear the mucus so that life threatening infections are minimized. As well, their bodies cannot break down nutrients from food properly which can affect their growth and strength to fight the symptoms of the disease.
In 1960, most Canadian children with cystic fibrosis did not live long enough to attend kindergarten. Today, due to research supported by Cystic Fibrosis Canada and through the generosity of individuals and corporations, half of all Canadians with cystic fibrosis are expected to live into their 40s and beyond – a tremendous achievement - but Cystic Fibrosis Canada doesn't intend to stop until a cure or effective means to control this fatal disease is found.
To learn more about the fight against cystic fibrosis, and how you can help, visit the Cystic Fibrosis Canada website or call the Ottawa Chapter at 613-230-6643 or 613-271-2744.
The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Canada is to help people with cystic fibrosis. Cystic Fibrosis Canada:
- funds health research towards the goal of finding a cure or control for CF and supports high quality CF clinical care in our hospitals and organ transplant centres;
- promotes public awareness of cystic fibrosis; and
- raises and allocates funds for these purposes.
Cystic Fibrosis Canada is a national, non-profit, voluntary health agency with volunteers in over 50 Chapters across Canada. Charitable Registration No. 10684 5100 RR0001.
Help Give the Breath of Life. Support Cystic Fibrosis Canada.
For more information or to register as a member, contact: Nadine Imbleau-Redman
