This week on community corner we welcome Chelsea Trout and Katherine Hofstetter, Board member and Development Director of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
What is Cystic Fibrosis? Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. There are close to 40,000 children and adults living with cystic fibrosis in the United States and an estimated 105,000 people have been diagnosed with CF across 94 countries. In people with CF, mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene cause the CFTR protein to become dysfunctional. This means mucus begins to build up in places it shouldn’t, causing things things like liver disease, respiratory failure, and being unable to absorb nutrients. Fifty years ago, kids with CF struggled to survive through kindergarten. Today, because of improved medical treatments and care, more than half of people with CF are age 18 or older. There is no cure currently, but the foundation is working to change that.
The Foundation has many events that you can get involved in like Tennessee CF Cycle for Life, Tennessee Xtreme Hike, and Tournament of Roses Golf Classic Nashville. Donations are also always welcome. To learn more about Cystic Fibrosis and the Foundation, go to their website here. Currently, Lightning 100 has an auction up with the proceeds going to the Foundation as part of Nashville’s Top 30 Under 30. Take a look at all the auction items on our website here and sign up here. Listen to the full Community Corner episode below to learn more about the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation!
