Latest news with #CysticFibrosisFoundation
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Cystic Fibrosis walk raises $33K in Morgantown
MORGANTOWN, (WBOY) — A little more than $33,000 was raised on Saturday morning in Morgantown to help fund cystic fibrosis research, which will help extend the lives of CF patients. 'Great Strides' walks around the country are organized each year by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF), which has worked since 1955 to raise awareness for CF as well as raise money for the research needed to develop new treatments for the disease. David Dent, an assistant swim coach for West Virginia University, was recently diagnosed with the disease in April, but said he's already starting to feel an improvement from his symptoms since he began treatment a few weeks ago. 'I was diagnosed on April 11th of this year, and it's been a whirlwind to get to this point, actually,' Dent said. 'It's a lot of years of just being told that I just had a cold or my anxiety was driving my sickness and things like that.' The CFF estimates that more than 40,000 people in the United States are living with cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that affects the mucous membranes in the body. This can have severe impacts on a patient's lungs, intestines, liver, reproductive organs and more. In 1999, the life expectancy of a CF patient was around 30 years, but continued research has raised the median life expectancy for recently diagnosed CF patients to 60 years or more. One thing that makes cystic fibrosis a challenging disease to treat is the number of genetic variations for the disease; there are more than 2,000 known mutations according to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, meaning some treatment options will be effective for some mutations but not others. Every West Virginia monster festival in 2025 'Once I got diagnosed, I saw that there was a walk coming up pretty quickly right after my diagnosis, and decided that I wanted to help out,' Dent said. 'I do have the mutations that qualified me for some of the best treatment in the cystic fibrosis community, and so luckily I was able to jump in right away and start treating it, but there's a lot that still aren't able to.' However, those patients who are able to benefit from the latest developments in CF medicine are seeing large improvements in their overall health. Associate Director of the Mountain State Cystic Fibrosis Center Dr. Kathryn Moffett said the latest drugs have been a 'game changer' for many people with CF, and those treatments are a direct result of fundraisers like the one held in Morgantown on Saturday. 'It has totally changed this disease,' Moffett said. 'Patients are healthy, we don't have patients in the hospital anymore. They get chronic infections, but [they don't need] to come in anymore for a course of, say, two weeks of IV antibiotics. It's amazing.' As of Saturday evening, the fundraiser for the Great Strides walk is still ongoing. Anyone who wishes to donate can find the Morgantown walk's fundraiser page here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
36th annual Great Strides walk in Bethesda raises awareness for cystic fibrosis
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) — Many will gather in Bethesda Wednesday evening to join the 5K walk to raise awareness on finding a cure for cystic fibrosis. On May 7, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will host its 36th annual Great Strides walk at the Elm Street Urban Park. Check-in for the walk will begin at 5:30 p.m., and the run will begin at 6:30 p.m. Organizers noted that Great Strides is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's largest annual fundraiser. Each year, thousands come together to support the mission to cure cystic fibrosis and provide people living with the disease an opportunity to have a long, fulfilling life. DC small business owners take advantage of resources at annual 'POWERUP' summit 'Together, we can raise awareness and fund crucial scientific research, making a difference in the lives of those battling this condition,' wrote the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in a release. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that causes breathing problems and digestive issues, while impacting a person's lungs and other vital organs. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the disease affects about 35,000 people across the U.S. Organizers said the money raised during the walk will go toward the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to complete research and care needed to help advance a cure for the disease. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
Business Journals
24-04-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
NASHVILLE'S TOP 30 UNDER 30 PROFESSIONAL AND PHILANTHROPIC LEADERS NAMED FOR 2025
Young professionals play a significant role in making Nashville the bustling, innovative, problem-solving, and trend-setting city that it is. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation works to recognize young professionals who are already making a name for themselves in their profession and helps them grow into community leaders and influencers who make an impact on those around them. Each year, the foundation selects thirty individuals to be part of Nashville's Top 30 Under 30 program. Nominated by their employers, co-workers, and peers, individuals selected are on strong career trajectories, active among their community, and have a desire to do even more. Honorees enjoyed a fantastic Kickoff event, graciously hosted at Bradley, embracing the opportunity to learn more about each other while being introduced to CF and our mission to find a cure. This year's Top 30 Under 30 class: 1. Alondra Rabelo, Nielsen IQ 2. Anay Richardson, Prescription Songs 3. Ann Marie Carlson, Sagemont 4. Benton Swann, EES Agency 5. Bryan Cahill, Lee & Associates Nashville 6. Carrie Deese, Vanderbilt Children's Hospital 7. Catherine Cronister, Community Health Systems 8. Christina Griffin, Interise: Griffin Coaching & Consulting Group 9. Clio Spada, A.O. Smith 10. Dorian (Dori) Carpenter, Solutions 21 11. Fernando Pineyro, KDP Real Estate 12. Haley Beard, Pepsi Co. 13. Haley Anderson, Thompson Lift Truck 14. Hannah Williamson, Lewis Communications 15. Kaiana Lewis, Earth Garden Flower Shop 16. Kathleen Jackson, Alliance Bernstein 17. Kaylee Seidel, Bridgestone Americas 18. Kenya Freeman, Loeb & Loeb 19. Kim Eacott, Amazon 20. Lucy Poore, Ojas Partners 21. Mason Borneman, Holland & Knight 22. Mollie Carroll, Cherry Bekaert 23. Morgan Stanley, Braintrust 24. Namon Pope, MP&F Strategic Communications 25. Patrick Bush, Strategic Financial Partners 26. Preston White, Bradley 27. Tanya Iacabone, W.E. O'Neil Construction 28. Taylor Brooks, Adams & Reese LLP 29. Trey Jones, Tennessee Department of Disability & Aging 30. Tucker Day, RJ Young Honorees will participate in a 16-week development program, challenging themselves and growing their skill sets through a philanthropic competition raising funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The class will be honored at the Nashville's Top 30 Under 30 celebration gala at the Loveless Barn on Saturday, August 2, at 6 p.m. The event, which is open to the public, will feature a cocktail hour, dinner, and awards program highlighting each honoree, along with their impact on the CFF's mission to cure cystic fibrosis. To find out more about the event, visit Nashville's Top 30 Under 30 ( About Nashville's Top 30 Under 30 Program Nashville's Top 30 Under 30 was started in 2009 by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Tennessee Chapter to honor young professionals growing in their careers, engage them in community service, and train them to make the biggest impact possible for our community. Since 2009, Top 30 honorees have raised more than one million dollars to support the mission of the CF Foundation. For more information about Nashville's Top 30 Under 30, visit or follow @cfftennessee on Facebook or Instagram. About the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the world's leader in the search for a cure for cystic fibrosis. The Foundation funds more CF research than any other organization, and nearly every CF drug available today was made possible because of Foundation support. The CF Foundation is a donor-supported nonprofit organization. For more information, please go to Based in Bethesda, Md., the Foundation also supports and accredits a national care center network that has been recognized by the National Institutes of Health as a model of care for a chronic disease. *When viewing Nashville's Top 30 Under 30 Class Photo for 2025 - Back row left to right: Bryan Cahill, Mollie Caroll, Preston White, Tucker Day, Patrick Bush, Catie Cronister, Haley Beard, Taylor Brooks, Hannah Willamson, Fernando Pineyro, Mason Borneman, Carrie Deese, Namon Pope, Morgan Stanley, Tanya Iacabone, Trey Jones. Front row seated left to right: Kenya Freeman, Dorian Carpenter, Clio Spada, Anay Richardson, Kaiana Lewis, Christina Griffin, Kim Eacott, Kathleen Jackson, Lucy Poore, Anne Marie Carlson, Kaylee Seidel, Alondra Rabelo. *Not Pictured: Benton Swanson & Haley Anderson
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Last chance for spring skiing at Greek Peak
VIRGIL, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – Despite temperatures reaching the lower 70's today, people were still out skiing at Greek Peak. The ski resort in Virgil is in its last days of Spring skiing, with skiers and boarders taking the opportunity to go down the mountain in shorts and T-shirts. The Spring season caps a stellar year for Greek Peak, which was able to build a large base thanks to consistent cold temperatures this winter and regular snowfall. About 20 trails remain open with a base ranging from 12 to 33 inches. Marketing Director Jon Spaulding says it's been an epic year with 102 days of skiing so far. 'With the forecast and some of the events that we have coming through the end of the year, you're probably looking at 108 to 110 for this season which is 9 or 10 days more than last. You really can't ask for better than that. You hit that 100 mark and it's all gravy,' Spaulding said. Greek Peak has two more events planned before it closes for the season. This weekend, Shred The Night, a 24 hour ski-a-thon will take place from 8:30 a.m. Saturday to 8:30 a.m. Sunday to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Then on March 29, the end-of-the-year pond skim event. Season passes for next year are currently on sale for $635. They go up to $799 on April 1st. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
USA Today
10-02-2025
- Health
- USA Today
Everything to know about cystic fibrosis and what causes it
Breathing disorders are common in the U.S. with conditions like COPD affecting some 7% of the population and asthma affecting another 10%. Digestive conditions like GERD, acid reflux, Celiac disease and IBS negatively impact countless millions more. The genetic disorder cystic fibrosis is unique because it can cause both breathing and digestive problems. Some 40,000 people in the U.S. currently have it, "though this is likely an underestimate as many patients may have mild forms of the condition and remain undiagnosed," says Dr. Ashwin Basavaraj, system chief of pulmonary medicine at NYC Health + Hospitals. Here's what cystic fibrosis is, what causes it and how it's usually treated once it has been diagnosed. What is cystic fibrosis (CF) disease? Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a progressive genetic disease that adversely affects a person's lungs, pancreas and other vital organs, says Dr. Michael Boyle, president and CEO of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in Bethesda, Maryland. The disease impacts the lungs by clogging airways with sticky, thick mucus, which traps bacteria and other germs and sometimes leads to inflammation, respiratory infections and even respiratory failure. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. The buildup of mucus in the pancreas can also prevent the release of digestive enzymes that help the body absorb food, "leading to digestive abnormalities, malnutrition and stunted growth," says Basavaraj. Other common symptoms of CF include coughing attacks (often with phlegm), shortness of breath, greasy and bulky stools, rectal prolapse and constipation. "People with CF are also more susceptible to sinus and respiratory infections and often require persistent use of antibiotics, leading to concerns over antibiotic resistance," adds Boyle. CF can also affect the liver, sometimes causing liver disease, as well as impact the reproductive system, sometimes "causing infertility in men," says Basavaraj. Did you see this?Nearly 1 in 10 Americans have asthma. Here's what causes it. What causes cystic fibrosis? Is cystic fibrosis genetic? Cystic fibrosis is caused by mutations in a gene known as the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), says Basavaraj. He explains that these mutations eventually cause a protein imbalance and water and salt in the body's cells to surface, "resulting in mucus becoming thick and sticky, and difficulty clearing airways and other organs." In other words, people with CF are born with the disease, inheriting a copy of this gene from each parent, says Boyle. In case you missed:At 25 she found out she had the breast cancer gene. Now, she's grieving motherhood. How is cystic fibrosis treated? While there is no cure for CF, there are multiple treatment options. Basavaraj says such options include bronchodilators to help open airways; mucus-thinning medications to help clear up the sticky substance; high-frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) devices to help clear mucus from the lungs; and pancreatic enzymes to help with digestion and nutrient absorption. Moreover, "there are currently five FDA-approved CFTR modulator oral therapies on the market that each address the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis," adds Boyle. These were developed to be effective against specific mutations and more modulator therapies are in development. Despite the many advantages these therapies provide, "approximately 10% of individuals cannot benefit from modulators due to their genetic mutations or ability to tolerate the treatment," says Boyle. Because of this, he says, "many people living with CF are still waiting for their breakthrough, which is why we are urgently pursuing efforts to ensure there are treatments available to them."
