Approximately 12 million Americans are carriers of the defective CF gene.
CF causes a slow and painful build-up of thick, sticky mucus in the lungs.
This mucus suffocates the lungs and breeds infection which can lead to death. As of yet, there is no cure. The rate of progress in CF research has been phenomenal since the discovery of the CF gene in 1989. Recent breakthroughs based on this discovery, including correcting CF cells in laboratory dishes, have increased the sense of optimism for the 30,000 people who have cystic fibrosis. The telethon has the unique distinction of being the only all-volunteer, locally produced telethon for Cystic Fibrosis in the nation.