Cystic fibrosis affects the airways, lungs, endocrine system by causing an abnormal build-up of thick and sticky mucus. Treatment requires intensive daily physiotherapy to clear the lungs and airways, countless medications, and frequent hospitalisations.
In Australia 1 in 2,500 babies are born with cystic fibrosis every year, about one every four days. Most will not live past their twenties.
Around 1 in 25 Australians carry the cystic fibrosis gene – that’s one million people – and most are unaware that they are carriers. Because carriers of cystic fibrosis are unaffected and show no symptoms, it is hard for them to appreciate that cystic fibrosis may be a real risk.
Cystic Fibrosis Queensland has been providing support, services and hope to people living with cystic fibrosis since July 1960. And to celebrate our birthday, we are challenging you to Take the Plunge for Cystic Fibrosis.
Cystic fibrosis leaves you breathless. The sticky mucus which lines the airway passages and lungs makes it difficult to breath. It quite literally leaves you breathless – which is how many people feel when they plunge into cold water – the shock of the icy cold July water leaves them breathless.
For a few seconds, challengers will experience being breathless, something a person with cystic fibrosis lives with daily.
By signing up to Take the Plunge for Cystic Fibrosis, you are not only raising funds but also awareness of our cause through the sensation of experiencing a breathless moment.
Join our fight to breathe and Take the Plunge for Cystic Fibrosis this July.
