May is Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Awareness Month, a time to lift up the 30,000+ people in the U.S. and 70,000+ worldwide living with this genetic disease. At Messy Brave Media, we believe in championing real stories of courage—like our hero Ryland—and in spotlighting the life-changing research powered by generous supporters like you.
What Is Cystic Fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disorder that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. This mucus:
- Blocks airways, leading to chronic infections and difficulty breathing.
- Interferes with digestion, making it hard to absorb nutrients and maintain a healthy weight.
Key Facts:
- Genetic: CF is passed from parent to child via the CFTR gene.
- Prevalence: Approximately 1 in 3,500 babies in the U.S. is born with CF.
- Non‑contagious: You cannot catch CF by being near someone who has it.
Learn more at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation here.
Why CF Awareness Month Matters
- Education & Destigmatization
Many still confuse CF with contagious illnesses. Awareness posts, facts, and personal stories help clarify what CF is—and isn’t—so communities can respond with support, not fear. - Family & Caregiver Support
Parents and caregivers shoulder complex treatment routines: airway-clearing vests, nebulizers, enzyme protocols, and more. Amplifying their stories honors their resilience and helps them find practical and emotional resources. - Advocacy
Awareness drives policy change: improved newborn screening, broader insurance coverage for breakthrough therapies, and expanded mental‑health support for CF families.
The Power of Research: Lives Transformed
Over the past three decades, CF Foundation–funded research has catapulted life expectancy from early childhood to over 50 years on average. Key milestones include:
- Newborn Screening (1990s): Today, 95% of CF cases are diagnosed before age 2, allowing early intervention.
- CFTR Modulator Therapies (2012–present): Drugs like Kalydeco, Orkambi, and Trikafta™ correct the underlying protein defect in many people with CF.
- Gene Editing & Next-Gen Treatments: Ongoing trials aim to repair CFTR mutations at the DNA level.
Every dollar invested in the CF Foundation’s research pipeline translates into new clinical trials, drug discoveries, and improved quality of life. Explore the full research portfolio here.
How You Can Make a Difference
1. Give in Honor of a Fighter
Support TEAM RYLAND and help us fund tomorrow’s breakthroughs for him and so many others:
Whether it’s $5, $20, or $100, your gift fuels research that turns “incurable” into “treatable.”
2. Share a Fact
Post one of these CF facts on your social media and tag three friends:
- Fact #1: CF is genetic, not contagious.
- Fact #2: Over 95% of cases are caught by newborn screening.
- Fact #3: Average life expectancy now exceeds 50 years.
Use #CysticFibrosisAwareness and #BreatheForCF to join the chorus of supportive voices.
3. Pray & Encourage
Join us in praying over our CF communities this May:
Isaiah 41:10 — “Do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you and help you.”
Jeremiah 29:11 — “ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ ”
Psalm 34:17-18 — “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Philippians 4:13 — “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Romans 8:28 —“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
2 Corinthians 4:16–18— “That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. … So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Exodus 15:26— “I am the Lord, your healer.”
Whisper these verses into your communities. When you see the color purple, stop and pray, ” Lord, breathe Your strength into every Cystic Fibrosis warrior today. May their next breath be steady, their hope unshakable, and their spiritual warfare strong. Amen,”
4. Volunteer Locally
Find community events, support groups, and hospital volunteer opportunities through your local CF chapter.
Stories of Courage: Ryland’s Journey
I’m certain Ryland’s morning routine outpaces most adult schedules. Behind each step are his parents—Ashley and Josh—whose resilience shines in every dosage measured, appointment scheduled, and hospital hallway walked. They coordinate medical routines with unwavering faith, celebrating small victories even on the hardest days. And Ryland? His belly laugh is a resounding testament that hope can roar louder than any struggle for breathe.
Team Ryland’s Great Strides isn’t just a walk—it’s a movement of celebration and urgency. Every step, donation, and prayer pushes CF research forward, giving Ryland and thousands like him a chance at more healthy, joy-filled tomorrows.
Walk, donate, or cheer for Ryland today!
Resources & Links
May we raise our voices, open our hearts, and fuel the next wave of CF breakthroughs—one breath and prayer at a time.