Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time
About CF
In people with CF, a defective gene causes a thick, 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.
Symptoms of CF
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
To learn more about the effects of this devastating disease please see https://www.cff.org/
The Mask is to Raise Awareness. The Mission is to Find a Cure. What Matters is Our Plan.
Running for Those Who Can't
Imagine waking up with a cold – the kind that sits in your lungs and burns when you breathe. Now imagine you are told that while you also must pinch your nostrils shut and breathe through a straw. Lastly, imagine you have to go to work, run errands, and do everything else that occurs in most people’s daily life.
Every. Single. Day.
This is not a life one would choose and not one many people can imagine tolerating. However, this is the reality of most children and adults affected, living, and thriving with Cystic Fibrosis. We have witnessed Cystic Fibrosis through the eyes of a dear friend affected with this genetic disease. We have witnessed her resiliency, strength and positive outlook as well as the resiliency and strength of many others affected by CF.
We were inspired to try to “see what it felt like” to have Cystic Fibrosis. Through the unwavering support of the Lucosky Brookman Foundation, the idea for running with the mask was born. As CF Bane runs, he sometimes struggles to breathe, to finish the race and take each step. His luxury is one that those with Cystic Fibrosis do not have; he can remove his mask at any time. CF Bane’s struggle is temporary.
CF Bane was born to illustrate to the world through wearing a memorable mask in part what it is like to live with CF. It’s meant to try to provide a tiny glimpse into the struggles of living a life with CF. Sometimes concepts and struggles are hard to imagine. The mask serves as a stark reminder to everyone that the struggle is real.
Everyone deserves to just breathe.
CF Bane and his army, run for those who cannot. The army participates in many road races, obstacle course races and fun runs through out the year in order to raise awareness and funds to combat Cystic Fibrosis. We encourage any and all who would like to run with us and join us in the fight, whether you can physically join us at the races or you want to run on your own where ever you happen to be doing so, we leave no man or woman behind! All are welcome! We encourage you to join CF BANES ARMY !
Rise Against CF
~CF Bane