CF Care Fund: Providing cystic fibrosis patients with care and support.

CF is an inherited disease that causes the mucus in the body to be abnormally thick and sticky. Most often, this affects the lungs and pancreas, leading to problems with breathing and digestion, and resulting in increased susceptibility to infections. The intestines, liver, sweat glands and reproductive organs may also be affected.

People with CF can have a variety of symptoms. Some of the most common are salty-tasting skin, persistent coughing, shortness of breath and difficulty gaining weight.

CF affects approximately 30,000 children and adults in the US, and many more people worldwide. More than ten million Americans unknowingly carry the gene for CF, although they remain symptom-free. CF is not contagious; a person must inherit two genes, one from each parent, to have the disease. Although there have been many advances in CF care over the last two decades, these therapeutic and treatment options are not a cure and they come at a price that even those with health insurance find it difficult to afford.