Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time. At our April 26^th Meeting, Melissa McKinney, the Director of Development for the NJ Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, provided the Club with a very informative talk about the disease and the efforts to eliminate it.

In people with CF, a defective gene causes a thick, sticky buildup of mucus in the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. In the lungs, the mucus clogs the airways and traps bacteria leading to infections, extensive lung damage, and eventually, respiratory failure. In the pancreas, the mucus prevents the release of digestive enzymes that allow the body to break down food and absorb vital nutrients.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease. People with CF have inherited two copies of the defective CF gene -- one copy from each parent. Both parents must have at least one copy of the defective gene.

People with CF can have a variety of symptoms, including:

• Very salty-tasting skin

• Persistent coughing, at times with phlegm

• Frequent lung infections including pneumonia or bronchitis

• Wheezing or shortness of breath

• Poor growth or weight gain in spite of a good appetite

• Frequent greasy, bulky stools or difficulty with bowel movements

• Male infertility

Melissa informed us that about 30,000 people in the US and 70,000 people worldwide suffer from the disease. A generation ago the disease was a death warrant, with few patients surviving past childhood. Today there are many treatments that are very successful, and many people with CF are living long enough to realize their dreams of attending college, pursuing careers, getting married, and having kids. Ongoing research is being done with gene therapy that is providing great promise.

The NJ Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation sponsors a number of events across the State to raise money for research and awareness. Their web site is https://www.cff.org/NewJersey/.

Mark your calendars for these Key Dates in JUNE:

• Saturday June 2: Wyckoff Day
• Thursday June 7: Scholarship Breakfast
• Thursday June 14: Triathlon Coordinating Meeting
• Saturday June 16: Triathlon
• Saturday June 16: Installation Party in the evening
• Thursday June 21: Annual Volunteer Breakfast

Thank you for your support of MPHS’s Cultural Awareness Day. Nearly 400 bagels were handed out by Joe Monahan and Russ Kamp. The young ladies in the picture with me will be the Interact Executive leadership team for next year, including Russ' daughter,  Mackenzie (light green sweatshirt). 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Super 50/50 Raffle Drawing Date is fast approaching. Our Club must sell 300 Tickets to make the fundraiser a success. Please turn your tickets into Tom Madigan as soon as possible.

 

 

This year's Triathlon is set for Saturday, June 16. We need to provide over 140 volunteers to man the field. Start lining up your family and friends now, and provide Russ Kamp their names and contact numbers.