Cystic Fibrosis: An Invisible Life Challenge
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common hereditary disease. It is a chronic, non-contagious genetic disease, the symptoms of which usually appear from birth. It affects many systems of the body, mainly the lungs and pancreas.
This is a chronic “invisible” disease that isn’t always apparent from the outside and affects the daily lives of those who suffer from it. However, it cannot diminish the strength, creativity, and smiles of the children and adults who are fighting for Unlimited Breath.
The daily lives of people living with cystic fibrosis serve as the starting point for “Secret Mission: CF².” Through this educational program, living with cystic fibrosis becomes a journey of learning and empathy for all children. A journey that helps all children discover their own Hidden Abilities—the strengths they possess within themselves—when they face any difficulty in life, whether visible or invisible.
How it affects the body
People with cystic fibrosis are born with a defective gene that they inherit from both parents. This gene does not function properly and hinders the functioning of the respiratory system, the digestive system, and other organs. This makes the body's mucus thicker and stickier, clogging the lungs and making it difficult to breathe. The thick mucus also affects the pancreas, making it difficult to digest and absorb nutrients.
Patients need approximately 3-4 hours for their daily lifelong treatments. The treatments do not cure the disease, but slow down its progression. Patient care includes:
- Pancreatic enzymes with every meal for proper digestion of food
- Respiratory physiotherapy & exercise to clear mucus from the lungs
- Special medications that help breathing and the body
- Frequent hospitalizations to treat respiratory flare-ups
- In some cases, lung transplantation
Lung Transplantation & Organ Donation: The Power of Giving
For some people with cystic fibrosis, when the lungs become too tired and cannot function, a lung transplant can give them a second chance.
It is a complex medical procedure, but above all, it is an act of human generosity. Because behind every transplant, there is an organ donor, a person who has given someone else the most precious gift: a second chance at life for unlimited breathing.
Organ donation saves lives and gives hope. When we talk about it in schools and to children, we are not talking about the end, but about the continuation of life.
Would you like to learn more about organ donation or become an organ donor?
Organ Donation Campaign “Unlimited Breath – Be a Life Donor”
Educational Program on Organ Donation for Elementary School Students "Little Musicians"»
Living with Cystic Fibrosis
With proper care and appropriate daily treatments, people with cystic fibrosis can lead rich, active, and creative lives.
In recent years, thanks to scientific advances and the community’s efforts, life with cystic fibrosis has changed radically. New treatments target the cause of the disease—the gene itself. Today, patients are reaching adulthood, pursuing higher education, working, and starting families.
Children and adults living with cystic fibrosis learn the value of patience, strength, and hope every day. With the support of family, friends, and community, every breath is a step closer to their dreams.
Everyone shares the same vision: Every child and every patient should have unlimited breath.
Cystic fibrosis, like any challenge or difficulty in life, cannot define a person.
It is only a part of it – not the whole.
The community of Unlimited Breath
The Panhellenic Cystic Fibrosis Association is one of the longest-standing non-profit patient associations in Greece, founded in 1983. For more than 43 years, it has been bringing together patients, families, doctors, researchers, institutions, friends, supporters, and volunteers with a common goal: information, care, access to treatment and care, and inspiration for life.
Through effective patient advocacy, campaigns, events, and educational programs, a new generation is emerging that understands, accepts, and supports.
Learn more and support our fight for Unlimited Breath!
Want to learn more or help out?