'Cystic Fibrosis affects every aspect of people's life' - Mayo people asked to help

People in Mayo are being urged to help Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI) meet its fundraising target of €300,000 on 65 Roses Day, taking place this year on Friday, April 11.

Volunteers across the country will be selling purple roses to support CFI, in Dunnes Stores branches, shopping centres and other participating outlets, including:

• Dunnes Stores, Ballina,
• Dunnes Stores, Castlebar
• Kavanagh's SuperValu, New Antrim Road, Castlebar
• SuperValu, Westport

Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. With 33 new cases of CF diagnosed in Ireland each year, Ireland has the highest incidence and some of the most severe types of CF in the world.

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Due to recent advancements in treatment and care, now more than 1,400 people are living with CF and the number is increasing.

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

The much-needed 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.

Encouraging people in Mayo to go out and support Cystic Fibrosis Ireland on 65 Roses Day this year is Padraig Burn from Westport.

“Cystic Fibrosis affects every aspect of the life of a person living with the condition from education to the work place and all places in between. The advancements in its treatment have allowed people live longer and more regular lives. It’s a wonderful success story but there is so much more to do. Please, if you see someone with a 65 Roses bucket in your local shop, support them.”

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 vital funds for CF services and supports throughout Ireland. People in Mayo can get involved this 65 Roses Day by donating online at 65roses.ie or purchasing a purple rose in Dunnes Stores and other participating outlets throughout the country.

Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI) is the body responsible for the provision of a wide range of services to the Cystic Fibrosis community in Ireland. Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that primarily affects the lungs and the digestive system. Ireland has the highest incidence of CF in the world and some of the most severe types. There are more than 1,400 people living with CF in Ireland and the number is increasing each year as a result of improvements in treatment and care.

For more information on the work of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, visit www.cfireland.ie or follow on Twitter and Instagram @cf_ireland, and on Facebook @facebook.com/CysticFibrosisIreland. #65Roses