CYSTIC FIBROSIS CANADA ASKS COMMUNITY TO GIVE HOPE FOR ALL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
TORONTO, November 29, 2022 – Today, Cystic Fibrosis Canada is celebrating Giving Tuesday with the launch of its seventh annual holiday fundraising campaign, Hope for All. The organization aims to raise $100,000 in a single day for Canadians with cystic fibrosis (CF) and, thanks to a generous donor, every donation up to $100,000 will be matched.
The holiday campaign runs from November 22 through to December 31 and will feature three Canadian families who are affected by cystic fibrosis, sharing their stories of strength, perseverance and hope, this, despite the fact that the type of cystic fibrosis they have makes them ineligible for current life-changing treatments.
By donating to the campaign, Canadians will help to support Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s continued investments in CF research, advocacy and healthcare, giving Hope for All families and individuals affected by the disease. Research has led the way for many people with CF to live longer, healthier lives and the next big breakthrough in cystic fibrosis care will only be possible through continued investments in research.
“There is such rarity to having CF as well as having three kids with CF. To find out that there is a medication that is going to help so many people, but not our family, that is really hard news to hear,” said Rachel Miller, a Nova Scotia mother of four – three with cystic fibrosis. “We're not the only family like this, we just don’t want to be forgotten. There are still people left who need to find medication or a cure.”
New cystic fibrosis treatments, like the drug Trikafta, are becoming more accessible in Canada and are set to change the trajectory of the disease for many, but not everyone can benefit from this drug. There are some Canadians, like the Miller family, whose type of cystic fibrosis makes them ineligible for the drug. Others, like Teri Lang of Alberta, have had a double lung transplant, which also makes the drug unavailable to her. The stories featured in the campaign focus on families like the Millers, who are hopeful that research will one day bring a life changing treatment for their three children with cystic fibrosis. Cystic Fibrosis Canada is focused on advancing research to find new treatments and ensure every Canadian with cystic fibrosis has the chance to live a longer and healthier life.
“We are encouraged by the stories of the Canadians with CF that are now accessing treatments that have the potential to change their lives,” said Carly Schur, Chief Development Officer, Cystic Fibrosis Canada. “But we know that is not the reality for everyone in our community. We set out to highlight the stories of people who are still waiting for their life-changing treatment to be discovered. Our Hope for All campaign is an opportunity to fund research so that every Canadian affected by CF has a life changing treatment.”
Following the Giving Tuesday $100,000 gift match, there is a second phase of the campaign with another incredible gift-matching opportunity. A second generous private donor is matching all donations up to $150,000 by 11:59pm EST on December 31, when the campaign ends.
Cystic Fibrosis Canada is a donor-funded, community-centred organization and this annual campaign, and others, is an important part of its critical work to lengthen and improve the lives of people living with cystic fibrosis. This happens through investments in research and care, advocating for access to medications and providing information and support resources to Canadians with CF.
The campaign is featured across multiple channels, including on social media, email and in the mail. You can view short videos of the Miller family and more stories on Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s Vimeo page.
Visit the Hope for All campaign page now to make a donation and help change lives.
About cystic fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is the most common fatal genetic disease affecting 4,332 Canadian children and young adults. There is no cure. Of the Canadians with cystic fibrosis who died in the past five years, half were under the age of 37. Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, degenerative multi-system disease that affects mainly the lungs and digestive system. In the lungs, where the effects are most devastating, a build-up of thick mucus causes severe respiratory problems. Mucus and protein also build up in the digestive tract, making it difficult to digest and absorb nutrients from food. In addition to the physical effects of the disease, mental health concerns are emerging; anxiety and depression are common among this population. Double lung transplants are the final option for patients with end-stage disease; most fatalities of people with CF are due to lung disease.
About Cystic Fibrosis Canada
Cystic Fibrosis Canada has dramatically changed the cystic fibrosis story. We have advanced research and care that has more than doubled life expectancy. Since being founded by parents in 1960, Cystic Fibrosis Canada has grown into a leading organization with a central role engaging people living with cystic fibrosis, parents and caregivers, volunteers, researchers and healthcare professionals, government and donors. We work together to change lives for the 4,332 Canadian children and adults living with cystic fibrosis through treatments, research, information and support. Despite our remarkable progress together, we are not yet done. Not when half of the Canadians with cystic fibrosis who died in the past three years were under the age of 34. We will keep pushing, keep going further until all people with cystic fibrosis can and do experience everything life has to offer —and enjoy everything life has to offer. Learn more at cysticfibrosis.ca.
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For more information:
Tel: (905) 317-5529
Email: moskam@cysticfibrosis.ca
Magdelena Oskam, Associate, Marketing and Communications
