A letter from Herman Weggen to the AAFC Romania

Herman Weggen
President
Cystic Fibrosis Worldwide

Dear all,

More and more persons with Cystic Fibrosis reach adulthood. This is very good because it means that Cystic Fibrosis care for children has improved. But there is a difference between countries where Cystic Fibrosis care is developed and where it is still developing. In a country where it is still developing there is often not so much attention for Cystic Fibrosis care for adults. It is important to enhance the knowledge about cf-care for adults, because they face quite different problems than children. Not only the medical problems, but also social problems in terms of employment and relations.

An organization of adults with Cystic Fibrosis can play an important role in enhancing care for adults. Define the gaps in your health care system and make clear where improvements can be reached and discuss them with your doctors and directors of the hospitals where you are treated. Look at your social system and do the same, communicate with local and national leaders. It is a good thing to do this in close contact with your National Cystic Fibrosis Association.

Adults with CF can give each other emotional support how to deal with the disease. Share the goals you want to reach and struggle for a better life. It is not easy, but it is worth while. On the long run you can count on success and there will be a better quality of life for adults with CF.

Cystic Fibrosis Worldwide (www.cfww.org) has 58 member organisations from all over the world and is a place where all who deal with Cystic Fibrosis can meet. We support projects in developing countries and we organize congresses. We would be happy to support the improvement of adult care in Romania too. I wish the A.A.F.C. lots of success.

And be aware: Only together you can make it better.

Herman Weggen

President CFW