Alex and Ashleigh Robertson will be making a splash in this year's Midmar Mile to raise funds and create awareness of Cystic Fibrosis. Joining them is Grant Desmond, aged 31, a cystic fibrosis survivor. This is a first mile swim for all three. To date they have raised R13520.00 in this Back-A-Buddy drive.
Ashleigh shared the following about Cystic Fibrosis, Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited genetic disorder that affects a number of organs in the body (especially the lungs and pancreas) by clogging them with thick, sticky mucus. The excessive mucus in the lungs blocks the smaller airways in the lungs, allowing bacteria to collect and multiply resulting in repeated infection. Similarly, mucus blocks the tiny ducts of the pancreas which supply enzymes required for digestion, and consequently food is not properly digested and nutritional value is lost. The sweat glands are also affected and the body may lose an excessive amount of salt during exercise or hot weather.
At present there is no cure for Cystic Fibrosis, but the faulty gene has been identified and doctors and scientists are working hard to find ways of repairing or replacing it, the average life span of a person with Cystic Fibrosis is approximately 30 years of age, however if proper care is not given then this can be shorter.
Every month suffers of Cystic Fibrosis attend clinic at Addington Hospital, as the state do not cover Cystic Fibrosis, treatment is provided by doctors on a voluntary basis and all medical equipment is purchased with fundraising initiatives or through generous sponsors such as the public. The money that is donated is put towards medication and equipment for use in our Cystic Fibrosis Clinic's at Addington Hospital.
If you would like to show your support, visit the KZN Cystic Fibrosis Association to learn more and contact Ashleigh.