FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK
Sam Hillyard

Hi everyone. It's here at last! The first issue produced by our new merged organisation: Cystic Fibrosis Worldwide (CFW)! It has taken a long time to get here but we are moving forward with enthusiasm to spread news from the world of CF even wider.

In this, the 1st edition, we look at many different issues including a focus on 2 nations and from 2 different perspectives: a CF team in the Czech Republic and a PWCF in Greece. It is clear from these articles that treatment in CF has improved dramatically over the past few decades, but that progress in some countries can be delayed for various reasons - be it their inability to access education or the necessary finances. This is where CFW endeavours to offer its advice and assistance. We are constantly looking at ways that we can make a positive impact in areas where patient care is being compromised.

On the psychosocial side, the relationship between gender and survival is studied in this issue, along with one person's experience of dealing with CF as part of their identity.

As always we have included the latest news from the world of CF including research, potential therapies, and ideas for unique ways of raising money for your own National Association.

We are always eager to hear from you. There is a feedback form on the reverse of the subscription page (which incidentally can also be used for sending donations) and we would love to hear your comments, ideas, and receive your letters. And finally, article contributions are always given consideration for future publication.

Here's to a happy and healthy 2002 for PWCF, their families, friends and carers worldwide!

Sam