Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening genetic disorder that affects over 30,000 Americans. When an individual has CF, the cells in their body produce an abnormally large amount of thick, sticky mucus, which is most prominent in the lungs and pancreas. This mucus leads to chronic infections in the lungs, and problems with the digestive tract and maintaining weight. As of today, the median life expectancy of people with cystic fibrosis is 37 years old.

I was diagnosed with CF when I was five.

My name is Hannah Buck, I'm sixteen years old, and I have cystic fibrosis. I do breathing treatments and physical therapy multiple times a day to help preserve my lungs, and take over 175 pills every week. It's not a rare occasion for me to get sick, and one or two times a year I'm admitted to the hospital for a few weeks. However, CF won't stop me from doing the things that I love.

I enjoy playing on my school's soccer team, and I'm a snare drummer on our marching band's drumline. I also dance on a competitive team. Sometimes it's hard balancing my cystic fibrosis, sports, and school, but it's something I've always had to live with.

With your help, we can cure this disease. There are so many ways to contribute to the cause--you can join my walk team, Team O₂. You could help me raise money (every dollar counts), and come walk with me on May 20th, 2012. A cure really is right around the corner...

...and it's up to us to find it.

Helpful Links!

• Join My Team

• Donate

• CF St. Joe

• My YouTube Channel

• Great Strides Home Page

• Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

• Boomer Esiason Foundation