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We are driven by a dream that one day—every person with cystic fibrosis will have the chance to live a long, healthy life. Recognized globally, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has led the way in the fight against cystic fibrosis, fueling extraordinary medical and scientific progress. The life expectancy of someone born with CF has doubled in the last 30 years. Despite this progress, many people with CF do not benefit from existing therapies.
Our vision is a cure for every person with cystic fibrosis and a life free from the burden of this disease. We will not leave anyone behind. You are an important part of our progress. Together, let’s make CF stand for Cure Found.
In people with cystic fibrosis, a defective gene causes a thick buildup of mucus in the lungs, pancreas and other organs. In the lungs, mucus clogs the airways and traps bacteria, leading to infections, extensive lung damage and respiratory failure. Many people with CF do not benefit from existing therapies, either because their disease is too advanced or because their specific genetic mutations will not respond.
Those who can take current therapies continue to face challenging complications— leading to hospitalizations, missed school and work, and significant interruptions in their daily routine. And, many children and adults with CF still face the sobering prospect of a shortened life span.
Winning this fight means working harder and faster. Genetic therapies – our best hope for curing cystic fibrosis – are more complex than anything we have ever done. Progressing a genetic therapy could cost the Foundation 10 times more than the development of a novel therapy a decade ago. The Foundation is leading the way in applying this emerging science to CF.
In addition to CF, there are more than 1,000 diseases caused by this type of genetic mutation, virtually all of which have eluded researchers seeking FDA-approved therapies. While our focus is on cutting-edge research for CF, our hope is that future genetic-based therapies could also benefit many others living with genetic diseases. You are an important part of our progress. Corporate donations help accelerate scientific advancements.
