Cystic fibrosis is a disorder that damages a person’s digestive tract, lungs, and other organs. It is an inherited disease caused by a defective gene. This means that the disorder can be passed from parent to child in every generation. Unfortunately, there is still no cure for this disease, and funding isn’t where it should be.

That’s why May was designated as National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month. This month aims to raise public awareness about the disease and, consequently, help future fundraising events. In our opinion, this month is one that people should observe. Not only so they can learn more about the disease but also so they can join in the fight against it.

The History of National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month

This month was created in 1995 by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Their purpose in creating this month was not only to raise public consciousness about the disease but also to support people living with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and to raise money for an eventual cure.

Some Important Facts About Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis is a serious, progressive genetic disease, and there’s currently no cure for it. There’s also not enough public awareness about the disease and the need for a cure. That’s why we’ve decided to list some of the facts we’ve uncovered about it below. Now everyone can have a better understanding of it and hopefully work towards finding a cure.

• Cystic Fibrosis is one of the most common fatal inherited diseases in the U.S.
• The disease occurs when a person inherits a mutated copy of the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene from each parent.
• There are over 2,000 CFTR mutations that have been linked to the disease.
• Cystic Fibrosis occurs in people of all races but is mainly in Caucasians.
• Life expectancy has been improving in the U.S for people with Cystic Fibrosis.
• In the U.S, there are now more adults than children with Cystic Fibrosis.
• People with Cystic Fibrosis have higher sodium and chloride levels; that is why a sweat test is recommended to diagnose CF.
• Screening for Cystic Fibrosis can be done on blood samples of children younger than a month old.
• The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation recommends that all patients with CF be seen at a specialized care center every 90 days for lung function and sputum tests.
• Most people with CF suffer from nutrient malabsorption.

Observing National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month

Everyone observing this month should attend a Cystic Fibrosis event near them. If there isn’t an event nearby, they can always attend one of the many virtual events online. People can also donate money directly to organizations that are searching for a cure for this disease.

And to help scientists raise the money they need to find a cure for this disease, we urge everyone to use the hashtag #CysticFibrosisAwarenessMonth on their social media posts.