Giving Back (2018)

Cystic Fibrosis Canada is a national charitable not-for-profit corporation established in 1960, and is one of the world's top three charitable organizations committed to finding a cure for cystic fibrosis (CF). As an internationally recognized leader in funding innovation and clinical care, we invest more in life-saving CF research and care than any other non-governmental agency in Canada. Since establishment, Cystic Fibrosis Canada has invested more than $253 million in leading research, innovation and care. As a result, Canadians with cystic fibrosis have one of the highest median survival rates in the world. We rely on the generous support of our volunteers, donors, and partners in our shared mission to improve the lives of Canadians living with cystic fibrosis, and ultimately to find a cure for this devastating disease.

What Is Cystic Fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common fatal genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults. At present, there is no cure. CF causes various effects on the body, but mainly affects the digestive system and lungs. The degree of CF severity differs from person to person, however, the persistence and ongoing infection in the lungs, with destruction of lungs and loss of lung function, will eventually lead to death in the majority of people with CF. Typical complications caused by cystic fibrosis are:

• Difficulty digesting fats and proteins
• Malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies because of inability to absorb nutrients
• Progressive lung damage from chronic infections and aberrant inflammation
• CF related diabetes
• Sinus infections

It is estimated that one in every 3,600 children born in Canada has CF. More than 4,100 Canadian children, adolescents, and adults with cystic fibrosis attend specialized CF clinics.

For more info please visit: https://www.cysticfibrosis.ca/