The Gladstone Observer Article 05/05/2011

'65 Roses Day' for CF sufferers

Emily Blatchford | 5th May 2011

SAY “sixty-five roses” three times quickly and you'll soon realize what this charity is all about.

Coined from a child's inability to pronounce the name of his condition – Cystic Fibrosis – 65 Roses Day is an annual fundraising and awareness initiative of Cystic Fibrosis Australia.

Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited disease that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive track, and is one of the most common chronic lung diseases in children and young adults.

Emmah Money, 23, ambassador of Cystic Fibrosis Australia and a CF sufferer herself, said her perception of 65 Roses Day had changed over the years.

“To everyone it's just another charity, another illness, but I live with it every day,'' she said.

“I've lost so many of my friends in the past year, so for me, not only is 65 Roses Day an opportunity to raise awareness of CF, but also a celebration for people who aren't here anymore.

“As I get older, I guess it becomes a bit more personal.”

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