Cystic Fibrosis Association of NZ

Our Mission To ensure increased life expectancy

and improved quality of life for present and future people with Cystic Fibrosis and their families. And through research to achieve better control and ultimate cure for the illness. Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the most common life threatening, genetic disease affecting New Zealanders. Cystic Fibrosis primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. Life expectancy has been extended considerably with improved medication and treatment, but varies greatly from person to person. Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited disease. For a child to be born with Cystic Fibrosis, both parents must carry the Cystic Fibrosis gene. Carriers of the gene do not have any symptoms of the disease.

In a healthy person without Cystic Fibrosis, the body makes mucus to help lubricate the body. In the person with Cystic Fibrosis, this mucus is thick and sticky. It blocks the tiny air passages in the lungs and traps bacteria. Repeated blockages and infections can cause irreversible lung damage. The pancreas is also affected and is not able to release enzymes needed for food digestion. This means that people with Cystic Fibrosis often have problems with nutrition.

Most people with Cystic Fibrosis need intensive daily chest physiotherapy to combat the build up of mucus in the lungs. They also need to take a raft of medicine to help with the mucus and enzyme tablets to aid digestion. People with Cystic Fibrosis need to follow a high-energy diet with added vitamins and extra salt. Regular visits to Cystic Fibrosis clinics; hospitalisation and antibiotic treatment are all common for people with Cystic Fibrosis. Cystic Fibrosis is not curable at this time. However, a great deal of time and money is being directed toward finding new and improved ways to treat Cystic Fibrosis and of ultimately finding a cure.

The Cystic Fibrosis Association of New Zealand has been operating for over thirty years, to improve the lives of Cystic Fibrosis sufferers and their families through:

• Welfare Grants
• Hospital and Prescription refund grants
• Education and Awareness programmes
• The Cystic Fibrosis Family Education programme which aims to upskill parents and suffers to manage the disease more effectively
• Provision of an information library
• Social and financial support
• Lobbying and advocacy on Health Issues at legislative level
• Tertiary Grants for young people with Cystic Fibrosis

As we receive no Government funding, we are 100% reliant on the goodwill and generosity of New Zealanders and NZ Companies and Trusts. If you would like to help us improve the lives of Kiwis living with CF, visit our website at www.cfnz.org.nz today. Or you can contact us at the National Office on 0800 651122 or email.