Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation promotes specialized care for individuals with Cystic Fibrosis by supporting and accrediting more than 117 care centers across the United States. Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., the foundation supports the advancement of Cystic Fibrosis laboratory science by funding its own Research Development Program network of CF research centers. The Foundation also supports and governs the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Therapeutics, its nonprofit drug discovery and development affiliate, develops fund-raising goals nationwide and advocates before the United States Congress for increased funding. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease affecting approximately 30,000 children and adults in the United States. A defective gene causes the body to produce an abnormally thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections. These thick secretions also obstruct the pancreas, preventing digestive enzymes from reaching the intestines to help break down and absorb food. The mucus also can block the bile duct in the liver, eventually causing permanent liver damage in approximately six percent of people with the disease. The organization was founded in 1955.