Limerick mother shares daughter's Cystic Fibrosis story ahead of annual fundraising day

A LIMERICK woman whose young daughter has an inherited chronic disease is calling on people to volunteer in locations across the city and raise funds for much-needed services.

The name of the annual fundraising campaign 65 Roses Day for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI), stems from how young children often pronounce Cystic Fibrosis (CF). It is taking place on Friday, April 11.

People in Limerick are being urged to help CFI meet its fundraising target of €300,000 on 65 Roses Day by volunteering in Dunnes Stores Jetland, Harveys Quay and Parkway branches.

Volunteers will also be selling purple roses in Arthur's Quay Shopping Centre, Castletroy Town Centre and the Crescent Shopping Centre, Dooradoyle. 

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Encouraging people in Limerick to go out and support Cystic Fibrosis Ireland on 65 Roses Day this year is Morrigan Potter from Limerick. She said: “Living with Cystic Fibrosis brings with it challenges that I don’t think people fully know about. 

“My little girl Cara has CF and while she is well at the moment, CF is a constant consideration in everything from medication to physio to ensuring she is safe at creche and out playing.  

“So I’m asking everyone in the county, to dig deep and give generously on 65 Roses Day to help CFI continue to provide supports to all the families impacted by CF in Ireland.”

Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. With 33 new cases of CF diagnosed in Ireland each year, Ireland has the highest incidence and some of the most severe types of CF in the world.

However, a recent survey conducted by CFI has shown that despite these recent advancements, significant challenges from accessing medication to obtaining financial products such as insurance, still exist for people living with the condition in Ireland. 

Funds raised on 65 Roses Day will also allow CFI to invest in CF-related research, specialist CF clinical teams and services to improve care for those living with CF and ultimately find a cure.