For more than 40 years, the Cystic Fibrosis Association of NZ has been providing care and support for families caring for someone with cystic fibrosis.
The Association has 12 branches throughout the country that provide a raft of services, from financial assistance, to education, conferences, workshops, help with the cost of equipment and emotional support.
The national office spends a lot of time lobbying for better access to medications as people in NZ have only restricted access to some medications that other countries take for granted, such as Pulmozyme and Tobi.
The Association receives 6% of its annual funding from the government and the rest needs to be sourced from fundraising. The Association maintains a comprehensive fundraising programme but the recent financial crisis and two very significant events have severely affected their ability to raise funds.
On Tuesday February 22nd, Christchurch New Zealand suffered a devastating earthquake which has killed hundreds of her citizens. The International Community has responded quickly and decisively in sending aid to the stricken city.
Many of you will not know that the Cystic Fibrosis Association is based in Christchurch. Their offices were turned upside down by the quake and many of their families have had to leave their homes and their lives will continue to be badly disrupted by this event for many months to come.
You may also not know, but this is the second large earthquake to hit Christchurch in the past 6 months. Naturally enough, there has been a huge outpouring of generosity from New Zealanders to help agencies such as Red Cross, who have helped directly with rescue and recovery for the quake.
Sadly though, this has meant that small charities like Cystic Fibrosis NZ have suffered hugely with donations and sponsorship drying up at a time when they can least afford it in the middle of a recession.
In order for their services to continue, they are reaching out to their friends around the globe who know what it means to live a life with CF. If you would like to support the work of the Cystic Fibrosis Association of NZ in some small way, please visit them at www.cfnz.org.nz and you can donate to their cause. They will be very grateful for any support you can offer them.
