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The Story of Luke's Life with Cystic Fibrosis
What is Cystic Fibrosis?
receives his gold belt
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that:
- clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections; and
- obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food.
In the 1950s, few children with cystic fibrosis
lived to attend elementary school. Today, advances in research and
medical treatments have further enhanced and extended life for children
and adults with CF. Many people with the disease can now expect to live
into their 30s, 40s and beyond.
Learn more about CF by visiting CFF.ORG
receives his gold belt
An Optimistic Time
Luke is now 7 years old. To most outward appearances he is a normal active, inquisitive young man who sees his future as most kids do. He loves to play, run, create and dream of what he might be when he grows up. Luke was born with a disease called Cystic Fibrosis. Thanks to ongoing research and development of new drugs and treatments Luke and the over 27,000 CF Patients in the US can enjoy life as never before. It wasn't too long ago that children born with Cystic Fibrosis would be unlikely to attend or graduate from High School. In some cases they just became too sick, and in others they simply were not able to withstand the physical onslaught of infection, airway blockage and many other ailments brought on by this horrendous life shortening disease and they were taken from us much too young. While it is true that some are still being taken far too young there are many reasons to believe that Luke's generation may see a much brighter future than many CF Patients have seen before.It's because of people like you
So many people living with Cystic Fibrosis are finally able to CELEBRATE, CONTEMPLATE, and CREATE their future because people like you have given so much by getting involved and making a difference in the lives of kids like Luke. While the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and CF Families are driven, passionate and determined, there simply are not enough of us to accomplish what has, and what still needs to be done. That's where YOU have made all the difference. You have CHOSEN time and again to give your time, your effort and your money to help our kids, our friends and loved ones. No words I could ever write will ever fully express our gratitude. So THANK YOU will have to suffice.So much more to be done
Together we have taken giant leaps in our battle to rid the world of Cystic Fibrosis forever, there is still so much that needs to be done. As I stated earlier most but certainly not all people living with CF are enjoying life in ways they could never before. Some are still becoming very sick very young and yes, we are still losing some very young people far too often. In the following pages you wil learn about what people are already doing to change the future for Luke and his friends. You may also discover new ways in which YOU may be able to help create a miracle. Thank you for taking time to read about Luke and Cystic Fibrosis. Here's to a brighter future for you and those you love.