Pictured here are Rose of Tralee, Tara Talbot and baby Grace Duffy (5 months old)
The Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland (CFAI) and McCabe’s Pharmacy have teamed up to highlight Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Week (‘65 Roses’ Awareness Week) which runs this week. ‘65 Roses’ is the way that many children first learn how to say ‘Cystic Fibrosis’ and is the theme of the campaign.
Customers can purchase pins or trolley coins at all McCabe’s Pharmacy stores with all proceeds going directly to the Cystic Fibrosis Association.
Screening was introduced by the HSE in July 2011 as part of the standard ‘heel prick’ test given to all newborn children. Early diagnosis is crucial in giving babies with CF the best possible start in life and greatly benefits their long term health. Since July 2011’ 25 babies have been diagnosed with CF. It is estimated that the average number of diagnoses per year will be around 50 babies.
CFAI are calling on members of the public to support ‘65 Roses’ Awareness Week by organising their own local event in support of the national fundraising objectives.
Martin Cahill is a Fundraising Manager with the Cystic Fibrosis Association. He is encouraging people to make a donation. “With the welcome increase in life expectancy of people with CF over the years, the demand for our service has also increased dramatically during this time. With little Government assistance, we would ask people to support our work in improving the quality and quantity of life for the 1100+ CF patients in Ireland”.
Marie Duffy has worked for McCabe’s Pharmacy for the past 12 years in the marketing department. Her daughter Grace was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at only two weeks old through the newborn bloodspot screening. “I am delighted that McCabe’s Pharmacy has chosen The Cystic Fibrosis Association as their charity of the year, it means a lot to myself and my family.”
The Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Week runs from 13th April to the 20th April. You can donate online at www.cfireland.ie or at any McCabe’s Pharmacy branch nationwide.
Make sure to have a look at all the great images taken on the day “Click here”