Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common fatal genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults. Two children per week were diagnosed with cystic fibrosis in 2011. CF is a multi-system disease, primarily affecting the lungs and digestive system. In the lungs, where the effects of the disease are most devastating, a build-up of thick mucus causes increasingly severe respiratory problems. Mucus and protein also build up in the digestive tract making it difficult to digest and absorb nutrients from food. Large quantities of digestive enzymes must be consumed with every meal and snack. As improved therapies have helped to address the malnutrition issues, virtually all cystic fibrosis-related deaths are due to lung disease. There is currently no cure. Cystic Fibrosis Canada is one of the world’s top three charitable organizations committed to finding a cure for cystic fibrosis. We invest more funding in life-sustaining cystic fibrosis research and care than any other non-governmental agency in Canada. Since 1960, Cystic Fibrosis Canada has invested almost $150 million in leading research and care, resulting in Canada having one of the world’s highest survival rates for people with cystic fibrosis.
