What is "Cystic Fibrosis"?

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease affecting approximately 30,000 children and adults in the United States. A defective gene causes the body to produce an abnormally thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life threatening lung infections. These thick secretions also obstruct the pancreas, preventing digestive enzymes from reaching the intestines to help break down and absorb food. The mucus also can block the bile duct in the liver, eventually causing permanent liver damage in approximately 6% of people with CF.

More than 10 million Americans are genetic carriers, and CF occurs in approximately 1 out of every 3,500 live births in the United States.

- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

For more information about the disease and the amazing strides being made toward a cure, please go to cff.org.

Why all the roses?

Since 1965 when a small boy used the term
"65 Roses" it has been used by children of all ages to describe their disease. But, making it easier to say, does not make CF any easier to live with. The rose, appropriately the ancient symbol of love, has become a symbol for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Emily’s dad Perry Daskas is extremely active raising funds for a cure. Perry chairs a number of events whose proceeds go directly toward finding a cure for this fatal disease. If you have been to any of these events or donated in any way
to the Emily's Army campaign, then congratulations.  In addition to helping
save a life, you are now a member of Emily's Army, and we thank you.