The month of May is recognized annually as CF (Cystic Fibrosis) Awareness Month, a time meant to help spread awareness about the genetic disorder among the medical community and the general public. For this year’s event, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) has developed a variety of shareable resources to help the cystic fibrosis community get involved, spread awareness, and share their stories.
About Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is a type of genetic disorder which can have impacts throughout the body, but it is most characterized by the build up of abnormally thick, sticky mucus in the lungs. This mucus becomes a fertile breeding ground and habitat for potentially infectious bacteria. Many patients must take antibiotics for much of their lives. This disorder is caused by mutations of the CFTR gene. Symptoms of cystic fibrosis include progressive decline in lung function, lung and sinus infections, coughing up mucus, fatty stool, poor growth, infertility in males, clubbed digits, and digestive problems. Treatment includes antibiotics and medications or procedures intended to maintain lung function. More useful treatments for the disorder have been introduced in recent years. Lung transplant is an option when lung function declines severely. Life expectancy ranges into the 40s and 50s with good care. To learn more about cystic fibrosis, click here.
Get Involved
Want to tell your story this year on social media? Don’t forget to use the hashtag #FacesOfCF. The CFF has created multiple Facebook cover photos that you can download and use in your profile for the month. They have also made a frame that you can add to your profile picture. They have also included some shareable facts about the disorder, a video celebrating the latest achievements of the cystic fibrosis community, and some stories from the CF Community Blog that can be shared on social media.
Click here to get started.
This rare disease community has seen a lot of change in recent years as new and more effective treatments have been developed and approved for use, giving patients a greater quality of life than in years past. However, there are some patients that don’t benefit from some of the newest developments, and spreading awareness is just as important as it has ever been.
