I have a little friend who has Cystic Fibrosis. You wouldn't know it to look at him, but, every day he is at extreme risk of infection.  Why's this bad? Having Cystic Fibrosis, which is inherited genetically, means that this gorgeous little boy is at extremely high risk of potentially life threatening respiratory and digestive problems. The excessive mucus of CF can trap bacteria in the lungs and obstruct the digestive function of the pancreas. He has daily physiotherapy and medications, and at such a young age (<18 months old) has been admitted to hospital twice and had two general anaesthetics and spent two weeks in hospital on an IV drip.

One in 2500 babies is born with CF and about one in 25 people carries the gene. While the gene responsible for causing Cystic Fibrosis has been identified no cure has been found and researchers are working hard towards finding a way to fix the faulty gene or replace it.

So, what can you do?  Firstly, donate or fundraise to support the work of those who are trying to cure this.  


Or be creative:

My little friend's mother and her friends are doing something a little fun.  They're having an afternoon of Fashion and Fundraising.  They've invited friends and family to join them for a few hours one weekend and everyone's encouraged to bring something fashiony (think clothes, bags, accessories) in good condition to give away.  Then, while the guests enjoy a little bit of nibbly hospitality the organisers will sort the donation items ready for guest to purchase back. It's a great way to clear out excess clothes and help a very worthy cause.

My office decided to direct funds from this month's casual days to theMotor Neurone Disease Association.  MND is a degenerative desease of the nerve cells which control the muscles we use to function - breath, speak, move.  MND progresses quickly and is a death sentence, with survival after diagnosis averaging less than 3 years.  The MNDASA has various ways that it provides support to sufferers and carers.  You may also consider donation to research in this are via the MND Research Institute of Australia.

It's amazing what happens when you fling open the doors.  We've decided that April's Casual Day funds will go to Australind Children's Fund, who provide aid to orphan, destitute, homeless, abandoned, physically and mentally handicaped children and young people in overseas countries as well as indigenous young people of Australia and New Zealand.