May is Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month

• 1938: Dr. Dorothy Andersen publishes the first description of cystic fibrosis in medical literature 
• 1983: Surgeons perform the first lung transplant for CF  
• 1989: Scientists discover the CFTR gene responsible for cystic fibrosis 

• 1993: FDA approves Pulmozyme, the first drug designed to treat to treat CF 
• 2006: Representatives Edward Markey (D-Mass.) and Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) launch the CF Congressional Caucus 
• 2010: All 50 states institute newborn screening for CF  

Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month has been a national event for over a decade. It grew out of advocacy efforts by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF). 

CFF was founded in 1955 by a group of concerned parents who were determined to save the lives of their children. The Foundation wanted to advance care for cystic fibrosis and raise more research funding for this disease. Funding raised by CFF was crucial to the development of drugs like Pulmozyme, as well as the discovery of the cystic fibrosis gene. 

In 2007, CFF organized March on the Hill to bring greater attention to the need for cystic fibrosis research funding through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and other federal research agencies. The following year, Congress officially designated May as National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month. 

Since it was first celebrated, Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month has grown into a nationwide event. Thousands of people participate in fundraising walks around the country, or wear purple to show their support. 

Thanks to the efforts of CFF, scientists, elected officials, and individual citizens who participate in Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, individuals born with cystic fibrosis today can expect to live into their 30s or 40s, with some living much longer. 

While people with cystic fibrosis are living healthier lives than ever before, there’s still more progress to be made. CFF wants to end cystic fibrosis altogether, and they won’t rest until there’s a cure.