My alumnae chapter (Nutmeg) is nominating Cystic Fibrosis for Project I.M.P.A.C.T.. If anyone has not declared their nomination intention, would you consider joining us in ours?
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive systems of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide).
More than 10 million Americans are symptomless carriers of the defective CF gene. To have cystic fibrosis, a child must inherit one copy of the defective CF gene from each parent, giving each child of those parents a 25% chance of having CF.
A defective gene causes the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that:
- clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections
- obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food.
In the 1950s, few children with cystic fibrosis lived to attend elementary school. Today, advances in research and medical treatments have further enhanced and extended life for children and adults with CF. Many people with the disease can now expect to live into their 30s, 40s and beyond.
In 2005, the median age of survival was nearly 37 years.
If your chapter is interested in joining our nomination, please email me at:
gss_toniv@yahoo.com. The deadline for submission to Nationals is APRIL 1, 2007.
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