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.
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.
CFF in the News
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has been featured in the nation’s leading publications.
Press Releases
See the Foundation’s news archive.
If you are a member of a news or media organization and need assistance, please contact the CF Foundation’s media team:
mediarelations@cff.org
Media FAQs
Find answers to commonly asked questions about the Foundation.
About Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and progressively limits the ability to breathe.
About the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is to cure cystic fibrosis and to help provide all people with the disease the opportunity to lead healthier, longer lives.
Our Venture Philanthropy Model
We provide early stage funding to biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to develop breakthrough drugs for CF.
CF Foundation Venture Philanthropy Model
Our Drug Development Pipeline
We maintain a robust pipeline of therapies that target CF from every angle, including the root cause of the disease.
Drug Development Pipeline
Research Milestones
Explore scientific breakthroughs in cystic fibrosis over the decades.
Find a CF Foundation-Accredited Care Center
We provide funding for and accredit more than 120 cystic fibrosis care centers and 53 affiliate programs nationwide, including more than 100 programs for treating adults with CF.
Find A CF Care Center
Find a CF Foundation 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 Local Chapter
The CF Foundation by the Numbers
Learn more about the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s research, advocacy, and education initiatives by the numbers.
CF Foundation by the Numbers
Imagine a Cure for Cystic Fibrosis
Learn about the CF Foundation and our commitment to finding a cure.
CF Foundation Infographic
Learn more about cystic fibrosis, the disease, and the road to the cure.
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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