Wilson County Mayor, Randall Hutto, met with Ms. Vera Smith and the Cure for Our Friends foundation on Tuesday, May 16th, to sign a proclamation which declared the month of May as “Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month” in Wilson County, Tennessee.
Cystic Fibrosis, commonly known as "CF", is a disease caused by an inherited genetic defect. About 1 in 20 people in the United States carry at least one defective gene, which makes it the most common genetic defect of its severity in the United States. People with CF suffer from chronic lung problems and digestive disorders. The lungs of people with CF become covered with sticky mucus, which is hard to remove and promotes infection by bacteria. Many people with CF require frequent hospitalizations and continuous use of antibiotics, enzyme supplements, and other medications. The life expectancy of people with CF used to be very short; 30 years ago, the median life expectancy was about 8 years. Today, thanks to medical advances, the median life expectancy is in the mid-30s and increasing.
Wilson County is blessed to be the home of the Cure for Our Friends (CFOF) foundation. Since 2014, the Mt. Juliet based nonprofit has been a 100% volunteer-driven group working to raise funds and awareness for CF families. Their mission is to someday fulfill their dream of finding a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. Founded by Ms. Vera Smith, the organization works to assist Cystic Fibrosis families by providing direct financial support.
During Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, it is fitting that we unite to support local CF families by educating ourselves and offering support where it is needed the most. In honor of CF warriors and their families, the lamp posts surrounding the Wilson County Courthouse will be lit in purple each evening from May 19th – May 31st. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Cure for Our Friends foundation for their continued efforts. For more information, visit https://www.cureforourfriends.org/.
Pictured (standing, left to right): Diane McDougal, Greg McDougal, Vera Smith, Founder of Cure for Our Friends, and Susan Marshall, (seated): Randall Hutto, Wilson County Mayor