Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a life-shortening genetic disease that affects the body systems where mucus exists (lungs, digestive system, sinuses and reproductive organs). Those who live with CF have abnormally thick, sticky mucus that causes recurring lung infections and progressive lung deterioration. CF can also impair digestion, causing an infant to suffer from “failure to thrive,” where nutrients from food cannot be broken down, causing the child to grow slowly, be frail and small.

One in every 31 Americans carries the defective, recessive CF gene. Both parents must pass the defective gene to their offspring in order for a child to be born with CF. If both parents are carriers, the odds are 1 in 4 that a child will be born with CF, 1 in 2 that he will be a carrier.

Currently there is no cure for CF, but there is great hope as much has been learned about the cause and progression of the disease.

In 1989, researchers supported by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) discovered the defective gene responsible for CF. Once found, other genetic diseases were able to find their gene – the next was found only nine days later. Today, all genetic diseases know where their gene is, and genetic testing is routinely available for families at risk of genetic abnormalities. Many states, including Florida, recommend all pregnant women have genetic screening for several genetic diseases, including CF.

Broadening our understanding of CF helps improve the quality of life for people who live with it. In 1985, the median life expectancy for someone with CF was 25.6 years. Today it is 36.8 years. As an interesting perspective, in the last four years alone, we have added more than five years to the median survival age of CF patients. We attribute this improvement in both the length and quality of life for CF patients to the fact that there are now more CF therapies than ever before—largely developed with support from CFF—and even more on the horizon.

For more information on CF and the latest in treatment advances and hope for those whose lives it touches, visit the website for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.