cystic fibrosis

Sarah & Amber in 2000

Sarah and Amber were close friends.  They both have struggled with cystic fibrosis since birth.  Unfortunately, Sarah lost her battle to the illness at the age of 20.  Sarah’s enjoyment of life lives on in Amber and helps Amber to fight hard in her battle against CF.

“Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease affecting approximately 30,000 children and adults in the United States. CF causes the body to produce an abnormally thick, sticky mucus, due to the faulty transport of sodium and chloride (salt) within cells lining organs such as the lungs and pancreas, to their outer surfaces. The thick CF mucus also obstructs the pancreas, preventing enzymes from reaching the intestines to help break down and digest food. CF has a variety of symptoms. The most common are: very salty-tasting skin; persistent coughing, wheezing or pneumonia; excessive appetite but poor weight gain. The treatment of CF depends upon the stage of the disease and which organs are involved.”

• Cystic Fibrosis Wiki
• CFF- NC Chapter – Fall 2009 newsletter