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.In the lungs, the mucus clogs the airways and traps germs, like bacteria, leading to infections, inflammation, respiratory failure, and other complications. For this reason, avoiding germs is a top concern for people with CF. 
Persistent coughing, frequent lung infections, wheezing or shortness of breath, poor growth or weight gain, chronic sinus infections, nasal polyps, and many more are all symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis. 
Tremendous advancements in specialized CF care have added years and improve the quality of the lives of people with cystic fibrosis. During the 1950s, a child with CF rarely lived long enough to attend elementary school. Today, many people with CF achieving their dreams of attending college, pursuing careers, getting married, and having kids.