I personally know 2 teenagers who are diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), a rare, inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children 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.

• About 1,000 new cases of cystic fibrosis are diagnosed each year.
• More than 70% of patients are diagnosed by age two.
• More than 45% of the CF patient population is age 18 or older.
• The predicted median age of survival for a person with CF is in the late 30s.

Since this disease is not widely spread, many pharmaceutical companies do not spend a lot of research money towards CF, they don’t see it as a lucrative business!

I decided to combine my passion for running and coaching with supporting a charity I truly believe in. I hope one day they will be able to find a cure for this disease. My “coaching income” will go directly to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF), a foundation who has been the driving force behind the pursuit of a cure for Cystic Fibrosis.

If you are interested in my coaching service, please contact me.

Also any donations are welcome. For payments/donations, please visit my fundraising page HERE.