Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and pancreas. People born with this disease carry a defective gene that causes the body to produce abnormally thick mucus. This mucus collects in the lungs and causes lung infections. Abnormally thick secretions can also obstruct the pancreas, leading to poor digestion and malabsorption. There is no cure for cystic fibrosis. The average lifespan of people with this disease is 30 years of age. However, much research is being done and more and more people with CF are living well beyond the age of 30.

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