For those with cystic fibrosis (CF), the term "65 Roses" has particular resonance. Mostly affecting the lungs and digestive tract, cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease. This line began when small children sometimes mispronounced "cystic fibrosis" as "65 Roses." With time, it has grown to represent awareness for this grave illness as well as hope.

The Beginning 

1965 marked the beginning of "65 Roses." Over the phone, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation volunteer Mary Weiss was requesting donations to assist research. Richard, her four-year-old son with cystic fibrosis, heard her speaking and assumed she was saying "65 Roses" instead of "cystic fibrosis." People also occasionally use "67 Roses" because it sounds like it implies the same thing.

Cystic fibrosis?? 

 Changes (mutations) in the CFTR gene lead to cystic fiber disease. This gene controls the entry and exit of salt and water in cells. In cystic fibrosis, the faulty gene causes thick, sticky mucus that can obstruct the digestive tract and lungs.

Symptoms 

• Regular lung infections and an ongoing cough with thick mucus are common.
• Symptoms include shortness of breath or wheezing, poor weight gain or growth, even with a high appetite, and difficulty with bowel movements.

 Diagnosis & Treatment 

 Usually, using birth screening, sweat tests, and genetic studies, doctors diagnose cystic fibrosis. Though a cure for cystic fibrosis is currently elusive, medicines can help control symptoms and enhance quality of life. These interventions comprise:

 Methods for clearing the lungs

• Inhaled medications are used to clear the airways and thin the mucus.
• Pancreatic enzyme supplements, along with CFTR regulators for specific hereditary variants, are available.
• Lung transplants in extreme conditions

Increasing understanding and resources 

 The "65 Roses" initiative helps to increase funds for CF research as well as awareness of it. Using this emblem, groups like the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation interact with communities, inform individuals, and assist families coping with cystic fibrosis.

 Events 

• Great Strides Walks: Annual fundraising events for CF research.
• Held in May, CF Awareness Month boasts events and activities meant to raise awareness.
• Social Media Campaigns: Share CF stories, updates, and data using Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram sites.

Personal Stories and Community Support 

 To the CF community, the "65 Roses" emblem is quite significant. Families use this moniker to foster solidarity and help young children understand the illness. Many people exhibit their perseverance and hope by sharing their individual tales of coping with cystic fibrosis. This creates a solid support system for all CF influencers.

Notable People

Many eminent people who have contributed to increasing awareness and funding for cystic fibrosis research support the "65 Roses" campaign. These are some of the notable figures associated with the campaign:

 Mary Weiss: The mother whose son mispronounced "cystic fibrosis," hence the first to invent the moniker "65 Roses." Her work with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and commitment to increasing awareness prepared the ground for the campaign. 

Richard Weiss, the son of Mary Weiss, mispronounced "cystic fibrosis" as "65 Roses," which became a symbol for the illness. His tale is still inspiring the CF community.

 Gunnar Esiason, the son of former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason, advocates for the cystic fibrosis community extensively, and he has cystic fibrosis himself. He actively supports the Boomer Esiason Foundation, which generates funds for CF research.

Boomer Esiason, a former NFL quarterback and Gunnar Esiason's father, has raised awareness and money for cystic fibrosis through his public platform through the Boomer Esiason Foundation.

Alexandra Deford, daughter of Frank Deford, had severe cystic fibrosis battles that her father recorded in his book, "Alex: The Life of a Child." Her narrative has raised important awareness of the illness.

 Frank Deford, the late sportswriter and Alexandra Deford's father, wrote extensively on his daughter's struggle with cystic fibrosis, therefore increasing awareness and compassion for people afflicted by the illness.

 Malloy Smith, Mallory's memoir "Salt in My Soul: An Unfinished Life" inspired many and raised awareness of the hardships and resiliency of people living with cystic fibrosis. The author also happens to be a patient.

Focusing on the power of exercise and a good attitude, Emily Schaller, a cystic fibrosis patient and founder of the Rock CF Foundation, uses her own experience and foundation to encourage and help people with CF.

Patricia Finn, M.D., a renowned pulmonologist and researcher, strongly supports the "65 Roses" campaign and has made significant advances in cystic fibrosis knowledge and treatment.

Jerry Cahill, a CF patient and advocate, discusses his path through speaking events and his foundation, Team Boomer, which promotes exercise and active living for people with cystic fibrosis.

 These people, through their activism, narrative, and personal experiences, have greatly supported the "65 Roses" campaign, raising funds and awareness for cystic fibrosis research and support.

 "65 Roses" is the struggle against cystic fibrosis. It reminds us of children's innocence, the difficulties of sickness, and the desire for treatment. With constant research, awareness campaigns, and community support, one day CF should be a thing of the past.