Cystic Fibrosis Ireland calls on local community support on 65 Roses Day

Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI) is calling on the local community to help meet its fundraising target of €300,000 on 65 Roses Day, taking place this year on Friday, April 11.

Volunteers will be selling purple roses in Dunnes Stores, Edenderry, Dunnes Stores, Bridge Centre, Tullamore and Dunnes Stores, Church Road, Tullamore, in support of CFI on 65 Roses Day.

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. Due to recent advancements in treatment and care, now more than 1,400 people are living with CF and the number is increasing.

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.

The much-needed funds raised on 65 Roses Day will help provide supports to answer these challenges including services such as financial assistance and grants, a listening service, and advocacy efforts to empower and support people living with CF and their families. Funds raised 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.

Encouraging people in Offaly to go out and support Cystic Fibrosis Ireland on 65 Roses Day this year is Sandra Delaney who lives in Birr.

“My family and I have been impacted by Cystic Fibrosis. I sadly lost both my brother and sister to this illness; my parents were heavily involved in CFI both locally in Kilkenny and nationally for the last 50 years. I am proud to say that the organisation has always been on hand to provide support and advice to families like ours.

“It is very reassuring to know that at the end of a phone call there is always a friendly voice willing to offer any support to you when needed the organisation has always treated us like family. There is a real sense of community in this organisation.

“This Friday, April 11, I am asking everyone in the county to give generously on 65 Roses Day to help CFI to continue to provide the much need support to all the families impacted by Cystic Fibrosis in Ireland.”

The name of the annual fundraising campaign, 65 Roses Day, stems from how young children often pronounce “Cystic Fibrosis” and its objective is to raise vital funds for CF services and supports throughout Ireland. People in Westmeath can get involved this 65 Roses Day by donating online at 65roses.ie or purchasing a purple rose in Dunnes Stores and other participating outlets throughout the country.