Local mother talks about living with Cystic Fibrosis

A Mullingar woman whose son is affected by cystic fibrosis is encouraging people in Westmeath to support Cystic Fibrosis Ireland during its annual fundraiser, 65 Roses Day, this Friday, April 11.

Ireland has the highest incidence and some of the most severe types of Cystic Fibrosis in the world, and each year, 33 new cases are diagnosed, which is why Stephanie Kilmurray is appealing for Westmeath to support the campaign.

“My son has Cystic Fibrosis. Having CF brings challenges that I don’t think people always know about – both for the person with the condition and the family.

“Thankfully, my son is well at the moment but in the past has had to be in hospital for weeks at a time. This is difficult for him in terms of education and social life but it also is hard on his siblings, who miss him when he is away.

“It is reassuring to know that CFI are there to provide advice and support to us as we need it, so I’m asking everyone in the county to dig deep and give generously on 65 Roses Day to help CFI continue to provide supports to all the families affected by CF in Ireland.”

The name of the annual fundraising campaign, 65 Roses Day, stems from how young children often pronounce ‘Cystic Fibrosis’ and its objective is to raise €300,000, and to achieve that goal, volunteers will be selling purple roses to support CFI, including at Dunnes Stores, Harbour Place, Mullingar, and Buckley’s SuperValu, Austin Friars Street.

Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system.

A recent survey conducted by Cystic Fibrosis Ireland has shown that despite recent advances, significant challenges exist for people living with the condition in Ireland, from accessing medication to obtaining financial products such as insurance.

The funds raised on 65 Roses Day will help provide supports to answer these challenges including services such as financial assistance and grants, a listening service, and advocacy efforts to empower and support people living with CF and their families.

Funds raised will also allow CFI to invest in CF related research, specialist CF clinical teams and services to improve care for those living with CF and ultimately find a cure.