About Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that:

  • clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections; and
  • obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food.

In the 1950s, few children with cystic fibrosis lived to attend elementary school. Today, advances in research and medical treatments have further enhanced and extended life for children and adults with CF. Many people with the disease can now expect to live into their 30s, 40s and beyond.

Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis

People with CF can have a variety of symptoms, including:

  • very salty-tasting skin;
  • persistent coughing, at times with phlegm;
  • frequent lung infections;
  • wheezing or shortness of breath;
  • poor growth/weight gain in spite of a good appetite; and
  • frequent greasy, bulky stools or difficulty in bowel movements.

Statistics

  • About 1,000 new cases of cystic fibrosis are diagnosed each year.
  • More than 70% of patients are diagnosed by age two.
  • More than 40% of the CF patient population is age 18 or older.
  • In 2005, the predicted median age of survival was almost 37 years.

... About the Maryland Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Since 1955, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has been the driving force behind the pursuit of a cure. Thanks to the dedication and financial backing of our supporters--patients, families and friends, clinicians, researchers, volunteers, individual donors, corporations and staff, we are making a difference.

The Maryland Chapter organizes events throughout the year to raise funds for CF research and care.

We serve the CF community, which includes people with CF and their families, volunteers, and donors in the Harford, Cecil, Baltimore, Howard, Anne Arundel, Queen Anne's, Worcester counties as well as Shepherdstown, West Virginia.

Our chapter is consistently a leader within the CF Foundation through active volunteer participation and substantial fund-raising successes. In 2005, our chapter netted more than $3 million to support vital cystic fibrosis programs. This year, we expect to raise a net total of $4 million!

Maryland Chapter volunteers plan, organize, and implement various fund-raising projects throughout the year. Our calendar of events includes: formal and informal dinner dances; a fund-raising walk, GREAT STRIDES; a country concert; a traditional equestrian event; wine events in fabulous settings and many other wonderful events.

For more information visit http://www.cff.org/Chapters/maryland.