Learn about cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs, and how to treat and live with this chronic disease.
CF is a rare genetic disease found in about 30,000 people in the U.S. If you have CF or are considering testing for it, knowing about the role of genetics in CF can help you make informed decisions about your health care.
If you or your child has just been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, or your doctor has recommended testing for CF, you may have many questions.
Diagnosing CF is a multistep process. A complete diagnostic evaluation should include a newborn screening, a sweat chloride test, a genetic or carrier test, and a clinical evaluation at a CF Foundation-accredited care center.
Raising a child with cystic fibrosis can bring up many questions because CF affects many aspects of your child’s life. Here you’ll find resources to help you manage your child’s daily needs and find the best possible CF care.
Living with cystic fibrosis comes with many challenges, including medical, social, and financial. By learning more about how you can manage your disease every day, you can ultimately help find a balance between your busy lifestyle and your CF care.
People with CF are living longer, healthier lives than ever before. As an adult with CF, you may reach key milestones you might not have considered. Planning for these life events requires careful thought as you make decisions that may impact your life.
People with cystic fibrosis are living longer and more fulfilling lives, thanks in part to specialized CF care and a range of treatment options.
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation-accredited care centers provide expert care and specialized disease management to people living with cystic fibrosis.
We provide funding for and accredit more than 120 care centers and 53 affiliate programs nationwide. The high quality of specialized care available throughout the care center network has led to the improved length and quality of life for people with CF.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation provides standard care guidelines based on the latest research, medical evidence, and consultation with experts on best practices.
As a clinician, you’re critical in helping people with CF maintain their quality of life. We’re committed to helping you partner with patients and their families by providing resources you can use to improve and continue to provide high-quality care.
As part of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's mission to help improve the lives of people living with cystic fibrosis, the PSDC initiative taps the CF community to inform key efforts to support the management of daily care.
Your cystic fibrosis care team includes a group of CF health care professionals who partner with you to provide specialized, comprehensive CF care.
Many cystic fibrosis patients and families face complicated issues related to getting the care they need. But CF Foundation Compass makes sure that no one has to do it alone.
For many people with cystic fibrosis, dealing with insurance is as much a part of living with the disease as nebulizers and vests. Many people with CF and their families face issues related to getting the care they need, but no one has to do it alone.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the world’s leader in the search for a cure for CF and supports a broad range of research initiatives to tackle the disease from all angles.
The CF Foundation offers a number of resources for learning about clinical trials and treatments that are being developed to improve the treatment of cystic fibrosis.
Our understanding of CF continues to evolve as scientists study what causes the disease and how it affects the body. These insights drive the development of new and better treatments and bring us one step closer to a cure.
Researchers, supported by the CF Foundation, have made tremendous advances to improve the health and quality of life of people with CF. We are committed to providing the tools and resources you need to continuously build upon this work.
Our goal is to educate policy makers about the needs of people with cystic fibrosis so that they make smart decisions about CF-related research, treatment, and access to care.
We recognize the value of tapping into the expertise that only people with CF and their families have. We invite you to share insights to help improve and develop programs and services that support the daily lives of people with CF.
Our mission is to find a cure for cystic fibrosis and improve the quality of life for those living with the disease. We can't do it alone. Help us add tomorrows by giving today.
In addition to working for a cure, the CF Foundation supports programs and policies to improve the lives of people with CF. Help us by raising awareness of CF, participating in a fundraising event, or volunteering with your local chapter.
The CF Foundation is the world's leader in the search for a cure for cystic fibrosis, and nearly every CF-specific drug available today was made possible with our financial support. We are a donor-funded, 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is fully accredited by the Better Business Bureau's (BBB) Wise Giving Alliance program.
Explainer
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Our Mission
Learn more about the CF Foundation including who we are, what we do, and our impact on cystic fibrosis.
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Media Center
Through the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's efforts, the life expectancy of people with cystic fibrosis has doubled in the past 30 years, and research to find a cure is more promising than ever.
Explore Career Opportunities
Are you searching for a new career? You should consider joining the team that’s adding tomorrows to the lives of people with cystic fibrosis. Search our current openings to find the right fit for you.
Article
Our History
Read about the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's incredible history dedicated to the efforts of finding a cure to CF, and strides made since its establishment in 1955.
CF Foundation Venture Philanthropy Model
Through its venture philanthropy model, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation provides early stage funding to biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to develop breakthrough drugs for cystic fibrosis.
Research Milestones
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the world's leader in the search for a cure, funding promising research and working to provide access to quality, specialized care and treatments for people with CF. Nearly every CF drug available today was made possible because of the Foundation's support.
The 65 Roses Story
"65 Roses" is what some children with cystic fibrosis call their disease. Learn the story of Cystic Fibrosis Foundation volunteer Mary G. Weiss and how the story of 65 Roses began.
Find a Local Chapter
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has 70 chapters and branch offices across the country that work diligently to raise funds to help support the search for a cure.
Find a CF Care Center
We provide funding for and accredit more than 120 cystic fibrosis care centers nationwide. The high quality of specialized care available throughout the care center network has led to the improved length and quality of life for people with CF.
Attendance Policy for CF Foundation Events
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has an attendance policy for all Foundation events, meetings, and offices that is meant to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading dangerous germs.
Contributors
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation would like to recognize and thank the many contributors who have informed the content of this site.
Contact Us
We want to hear from you. Learn all the ways you can connect with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
With more than 70 chapters and offices across the country, it’s easy to find and join a local Cystic Fibrosis Foundation chapter near you.
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
4550 Montgomery Ave. Suite 1100 N Bethesda, MD 20814
301-951-4422
800-344-4823 (toll free)
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