Slip into your jeans for CF awareness day

You can help raise awareness for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) by taking part in “CF Genes Day” on Wednesday 31 May 2017.

CF Genes Day is an annual awareness-raising event organised by the SA Cystic Fibrosis Association. On this day you can donate R10 for a sticker and wear jeans at your school or workplace to support the cause. The theme of the campaign is “Breathing Life Into The Future”.
Schools may want to consider using Cystic Fibrosis as a topic for a biology project, and we would be willing to provide sources of information.

The main organ affected by this genetic disorder is the lungs. We are asking the public to give generously for this event so that those affected will continue to “breathe easy” for many years into the future and enjoy the quality of life. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis, as early diagnosis can prevent complications and premature death.

Although Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a condition that a child is born with, it is all too often diagnosed only later in life when lung damage has already taken place. Surprisingly CF is one of the most common inherited disorders and can affect a family with no previous history of CF. In early childhood, symptoms of CF are similar to other childhood problems such as asthma, stomachache, malnutrition and even TB, often leading to misdiagnosis. Symptoms to specifically look out for are a persistent cough, frequent lung infections, weight loss, bowel problems and salty tasting skin.

Currently, there is no cure and those with CF ultimately have their lives cut short due to ongoing infections and, ultimately, lung failure. On the positive side, with earlier diagnosis and improved treatment, many adults with CF are now living into their thirties, forties and beyond – leading active and fulfilling lives.

The first CF Genes Day was held in South Africa in 2010 and over the years the number of people involved has increased significantly. Funds raised will be used to promote early diagnosis and provide proper treatment for all those affected by this disorder.

For more information, please visit our website at www.sacfa.org.za. There is also a Facebook group to stay close to news and events, simply follow the link on our website to find it. Please see our banking details on the page that follows.

Our banking details are:
SA Cystic Fibrosis Association
FNB (Bracken City)
Branch Number: 252242
Account number: 51440060071

Please put GENES followed by YOUR NAME or THE NAME OF YOUR ORGANISATION as deposit reference.