Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease affecting approximately 30,000 people in the United States. A defective gene causes the body to produce an abnormally thick mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life threatening lung infections. This thick mucus also obstucts the pancrease, preventing digestive enzymes from reaching the intestines to help break down and absorb food. This mucus can also block bile ducts in the liver, eventually damaging that organ.

CF occurs in approximatly 1 in every 3,500 live births. Some 1,000 new cases are reported each year.

People with CF have a variety of symptoms including: salty-tasting skin; persistent cough, wheezing or shortness of breath, excessive appetite and poor weight gain; and bulky stools.

The "sweat test" is the diagnostic test for CF. If you suspect CF you should talk to your doctor. Sweat tests should be performed in a CF accredited center. The test is simple and painless.

There are more than 115 CF accredited centers in the United States.

According to studies the median age of survival for a person with CF is 35 years old.

*Even a Miracle needs a Hand!