As adults with cystic fibrosis, we have benefited greatly from the work of the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Thanks to the foundation’s long-term investment in research and care, people with cystic fibrosis are living longer, healthier lives. However, there is still no cure — cystic fibrosis is the most common, fatal genetic disease affecting children and young adults in Canada. There remains an urgent need to support future programs to help us fight this devastating disease.
Unfortunately, in contrast to other major diseases, cystic fibrosis is not well-known or understood by Canadians. It is therefore vital that fund-raising advertising campaigns present a powerful and real depiction of what it’s like to live with cystic fibrosis.
Before launching an advertising campaign, the foundation consults and receives input from the cystic fibrosis community, including adults and parents of children with the disease and health care professionals. As leading members of this community who approved the current campaign, we recognize that its hard-hitting message may affect some people negatively, 1 and we try very hard to minimize this impact. Thanks to the foundation, its volunteer chapters and the cystic fibrosis clinics across Canada, our community receives thoughtful communications that prepare us for each advertising campaign and explain the purpose of the campaign’s message.
We strongly believe that the benefits of increasing awareness, and ultimately support, for cystic fibrosis research and care will help all people with the disease and move us closer to a world where cystic fibrosis is no longer a progressive, life-shortening disease.
Footnotes
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For the full letter, go to: www.cmaj.ca/cgi/eletters/182/10/1079-a
REFERENCE
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