65 Roses Day for Cystic Fibrosis – Friday 25th May 2012

65 Roses Day for Cystic Fibrosis – Friday 25th May 2012

Today is 65 Roses day, a day to raise awareness for those living with Cystic Fibrosis and also to raise funds for much needed research and support programs.

I was first made aware of Cystic Fibrosis (CF) through my cousin (Kylie Alford), who has CF. My immediate family has now also been affected as my niece (Kari Prendergast) was diagnosed with CF at 2 weeks old. She is now 3 and you would not know she has CF, however that is largely due to the fact that her parents, Ian (my brother) & Renae are doing a great job in managing Kari’s Health.

As an Ambassador for CF, along with my husband (Daryl), we encourage all of our friends, family and sporting fans to donate to the cause or go to a participating florist between 21st and 28th May and purchase the specially marked roses for CF. $1 from every purchase will go towards the much needed research and services that people with Cystic Fibrosis need in everyday life. (Follow the link below for participating florists in Victoria)

“Everyday life for people living with Cystic Fibrosis is a challenge. Treatment is relentless: clearing lungs, fighting infection, battling malnutrition, struggling against exhaustion… the list goes on. The reality is that having CF means a shortened life and a costly one. With more funds, we know we can continue to work towards increasing life expectancy and improving the quality of life for people living with CF.”

How can you help?

Purchase the specially marked roses from your local florist on 65 Roses Day

• Every bunch of specially marked roses sold between 21 and 28 May will generate $1 for cystic fibrosis services and research. We urge you to support this cause by purchasing these specially marked roses from your local florist – just look for the 65 Roses Day stickers.

The phrase ’65 Roses’ has a long-standing link with Cystic Fibrosis. It was created when a small child who was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis was unable to pronounce the name of the disease and said that he had ’65 Roses’. Since then, the rose has been the emblem of Cystic Fibrosis. 65 Roses Day falls on the last Friday in May each year and is the day designated Australia-wide to create awareness and raise funds for Cystic Fibrosis, the most common, life threatening genetic condition affecting young Australians.

ABOUT CF:

• There are approx 3,000 people living with CF in Australia. CF seriously affects breathing and digestion.
• People with CF may need to have up to 2 hours intensive chest physiotherapy (to help break up the mucus in their lungs so they can breathe) and up to 40 enzyme tablets (to help their digestion) every day just to survive.
• Due to advancements the average life expectancy of someone living with CF is now mid thirties, but there are still many children who do not reach adulthood.
• Approximately one in every 2,500 babies will be born with CF.
• There are a million genetic carriers of CF in Australia. As yet there is no cure.

WHAT CAUSES CYSTIC FIBROSIS?

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited recessive genetic condition. Amongst people of Caucasian ancestry 1 in 25 are genetic carriers for CF, usually without knowing it.

If a baby is born with CF, it means that both parents are genetic carriers for CF. However, even if they are genetic carriers, there is no guarantee that the child will be born with CF.

If two people are genetic carriers for CF and they have a child there is (with every pregnancy):

• A 1 out of 4 (25%) chance that the child will have CF
• A 2 out of 4 (50%) chance that the child will be a genetic carrier for CF
• A 1 out of 4 (25%) chance that the child will not have CF and will not be a genetic carrier for CF.

Click here to view participating florists in Victoria

If you would like to make a donation for 65 roses day simply click here