Why we support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in their efforts to find a cure:
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 (at least 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 the lives of children and adults with CF. Many people with the disease can now expect to live into their 30′s and 40′s.
On Dec 31st, 2009 we received the news that our son, Ross, has Cystic Fibrosis (CF). He was 5 years old at the time. Ross is now turning 10. He is an active, happy 4th grader. He never complains about the many medications he takes or the 2 hours of respiratory therapy a day, and we never complain because we’re grateful to have treatments that keep him healthy. We have been very fortunate, but we also know there are many children and young adults who are not doing so well. That’s why we support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (www.cff.org). Not only do we want to keep Ross healthy for when a cure is found, we want to help bring more tomorrows to the many others who suffer from CF.
We know that supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is our best bet. Since 1955, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has been the driving force behind the pursuit of a cure. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation funds more CF research than any other organization, and nearly every CF drug available today was made possible because of Foundation support. The Foundation is a nonprofit donor-supported organization dedicated to attacking cystic fibrosis from every angle. Their 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.
Our family has joined together to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation by participating in the annual Great Strides Walk. Since 2009 our team, The FORCE (Friends Of Ross Caring Everyday), has raised over $38,000. More than ever before science is making great strides and we hope you will too by joining our team in supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at: http://www.cff.org/Great_Strides/ShariHathaway
Sean Hathaway – owner of Mattress World Northwest
