Cystic Fibrosis Queensland

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is one of the most common life threatening genetic conditions affecting children today.

One in 25 people, often unknowingly, carry the CF gene. Babies are born with CF when both parents carry the CF gene. Put simply, this gene causes the normally thin & slippery mucus found in all healthy humans, to become thick and sticky. This gene defect seriously impedes a range of the body’s normal functions.

Cystic Fibrosis Queensland Ltd (CFQ) is a not-for-profit charitable organisation that provides support to over 550 people throughout Queensland, Northern New South Wales and the Northern Territory, affected by CF and their families. This is achieved through a comprehensive support program, which aims to be equitable and available to all families throughout Queensland. CFQ works closely with medical and allied health professionals, and hospitals to maintain the highest standards of support and service provision.

Services include:

• Counselling - for children, adults and their families;
  
  
• Respiratory Equipment – CF related medical equipment is supplied free of charge. There is also a free equipment lending library;
  
  

• Physiotherapy Program - Funding for private or community respite physiotherapy;

• Outreach and Regional Support - Funding for paediatric allied health staff to attend outreach clinics in regional QLD;

• Sponsorship of annual ‘Short Course in CF Care’ - Held at the Prince Charles Hospital in Brisbane for regional hospital staff to receive specialist CF related education and training;

• Rainbow Cottage - A fully furnished three-bedroom home offering free accommodation to families travelling to Brisbane for treatment (Pictured);

• Hospital Smilie Bags - Children admitted to a Queensland Hospital are provided with a Smilie Bag, which contains snacks and entertainment; and

• Oxygen Program - Subsidies for home / portable oxygen equipment.