From Staff Reports
In an effort to continue the fight against Cystic Fibrosis, The Alabama Friends of Cystic Fibrosis recently made a $20,000 donation to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
The Alabama Friends of Cystic Fibrosis, founded by three Trussville families with children affected by the disease, recently made a $20,000 donation to help with continued research, education, awareness and support. (photo submitted by Barbara Harden)
A local group founded by three Trussville families with several children with CF, The Alabama Friends of Cystic Fibrosis, a 501c approved non-profit organization, does annual fund raisers in an effort to help continue research against the disease, as well as to bring education and awareness and support.
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects 30,000 individuals in the United States and 70,000 worldwide. A defective gene and its defective protein product cause the body to produce abnormally thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections. The disease also obstructs the pancreas preventing pancreatic enzymes to break down food.
Several decades ago, only a few children with CF lived to attend elementary school. With the advances in research and medical treatments, cystic fibrosis patients now live well into their 30s.
Each year, the Alabama Friends of Cystic Fibrosis hosts the Blow Away 5K and 1 mile Family Fun Run in Trussville to raise money for the fight.
“Our 7th annual Blow Away 5K will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2016 at 8 a.m. at the Trussville mall,” said Barbara Harden, a board member with the non-profit group. “We want people to come join us and help make CF stand for cough free!”
