Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Launches New Web Site

November 2, 2006

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation announced today the launch of its newly designed Web site as part of a new overall visual identity.

“Knowing that our Web site is one of our most important connections to the CF community, we upgraded it to ensure that patients, families and volunteers will find the best and most up-to-date information available about this disease,” said Robert J. Beall, Ph.D., president and CEO of the CF Foundation. “Together we will continue the fight to find better therapies and ultimately a cure.”

Cystic fibrosis, which affects about 30,000 people in the United States, occurs when the defective CF gene causes the body to produce abnormally thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and can result in fatal lung infections.  The median predicted age of survival for people with CF is nearly 37 years old.

Features of the new Web site include:

• Enhanced navigation tools to make searching easier;
• Compelling new images of real patients, physicians, researchers and children in the CF community;
• New resources for learning about cystic fibrosis;
• CF news and announcements;
• Expanded information on cystic fibrosis research and clinical trials;
• Information about volunteer opportunities; and
• Profiles of people with CF such as Camiah McNeal, who, at 11-years-old, became the youngest recitalist to play at Chicago’s Orchestra Hall.

In 2007, the CF Foundation plans to add new features and content, including a community section that will have customized information for people who are newly diagnosed, parents, children, teens and adults with CF, as well as for volunteers.