May was National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month. Across the country, thousands of volunteers came together to raise awareness about this devastating disease and share their story of hope and progress.
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a relatively common inherited disease in which from infancy there are recurrent chest infections causing lung damage, intestinal malabsorption leading to severe malnutrition and growth failure, and there is an excess of salt in the sweat. Untreated, the condition is usually fatal in infancy or early childhood. With treatment, the average life expectancy of people who live to adulthood is about 37 years and this is increasing. (Credit: Cystic Fibrosis Australia)
Facts about Cystic Fibrosis
- There is currently no cure
- In Australia, one in 2,500 babies are born with CF, that’s one every four days
- There are over a Million carriers of CF in Australia
- Since 1986, all newborns have been subject to a heel prick test for diagnosis
- People with CF are not encouraged to socialise with each other. The risk of cross-infection and exacerbation of lung conditions is too great. CF can be a lonely existence.
Sanitair donates to Cystic Fibrosis Australia
For the month of May, a number of local Sanitair technicians donated a percentage of every Premium Split System Service they carried out. The funds go toward Cystic Fibrosis Australia’s 65 Roses national fundraising campaign to be used as research for a cure. Sanitair Australia CEO, Craig Jefferies presents Justine Foulkes on behalf of Cystic Fibrosis Australia with a cheque for $1079.00.
Shake it Up Australia Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation established in 2011 to promote and fund Parkinson’s research in Australia. The foundation was established by Clyde Campbell, a father of three and business owner who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2009 at the age of 44. Personal experiences with this insidious disease have highlighted the need to help fund research by Sanitair’s Director and CEO into finding a cure.
Australian Rotary Clubs are part of an international network of business, professional and community leaders who strive to make the world a better place through practical efforts. Through Rotary International, the reward of “paying it forward” unites men and women from different backgrounds, cultures, religious and political beliefs the world over, allowing ordinary people to do extraordinary things
