There are many life-threatening diseases that deserve the attention of everyone who can help. One of those diseases is Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Cystic Fibrosis is one of the many diseases that have teams working around the clock for cures or medications that can help improve the lives of those affected. However, it’s difficult to help when you don’t know what CF is or how it affects people’s lives. Here’s the scoop about Cystic Fibrosis–a cause that’s near and dear to our hearts.
What is Cystic Fibrosis?
Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease. That means you’re born with CF and it tends to run in families. In the purest of definitions, CF is a gene that causes a buildup of mucus in the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. That mucus prevents those organs from functioning as they should. Airways are blocked to the lungs, digestive enzymes can’t be released from the pancreas, etc. In the case of the lungs, bacteria build up in the mucus, which leads to frequent lung infections. With the pancreas, the lack of digestive enzymes means the body can’t break down food and absorb vital nutrients.
Symptoms
Since the body isn’t working properly due to mucus buildups, there are plenty of symptoms that affect persons everyday life. Very salty skin, persistent coughing, pneumonia or bronchitis infections, wheezing, shortness of breath, growth issues (including a lack of weight gain), male fertility and difficult bowel movements are some of the major symptoms. There are 1,000 new cases of CF each year, and over 75 percent of people are diagnosed before the age of 2. The biggest issue is that those children aren’t likely to live past the age of 40.
#CFSelfie: Joining The Movement
Today, in the world of hashtags, movements pick up speed overnight. One of those movements is to benefit those affected by CF by spreading knowledge. The movement is simple, take a selfie of your shoes and post it on social media with the #CFShoeSelfie. The goal is to show support and spread the word to family, friends and co-workers all around the world. Knowing we’re not alone is the best way to get through hard times. Using the hashtag along with a photo shows you’re standing with those affected and they’re not alone.
We want to see your feet!
Slipper Feet.
Sneaker feet.
And yes, even ballet feet.
We want to see your…
Dad feet.
Mom feet.
and your flip flop, sandal, and boot feet!
MCLife wants to see all of your feet in support of Cystic Fibrosis!
The shoe selfie is the easiest way to join the movement, but going further is easy as well. There are plenty of other ways to get involved right here in Tucson. The folks at MCLife are walking to support Cystic Fibrosis on April 17, 2016 at the Great Strides event on the University of Arizona mall. The event is set to raise funds for CF and allow you to get involved and make your mark on CF. Show those affected that you’re there with them, fighting to make their lives better than they ever imagined it could be.
