Cystic fibrosis sufferer aims at raising awareness
A Kimberley woman living with cystic fibrosis says this month is an important time to raise awareness of the condition, which is the world's most common genetic illness.
Amanda Bearcroft lives in Fitzroy Crossing, but has also spent time living in Kununurra and Broome during more than a decade in the Kimberley.
The 45-year-old said her battle with the debilitating illness had been a "tough slog" at times and she had signed up to promote Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month to draw attention to the condition.
About one in every 2500 babies born in Australia will have the condition.
"I think it's really important just to get the awareness out there," she said.
"Being the most common genetic illness, I think it's really important that people know about it.
"I guess with more awareness, we can get more funding for research and also acceptance of the condition."
On average, one in 25 people carry the cystic fibrosis gene with about a million genetic carriers in Australia.
Ms Bearcroft said she had lived a productive life and wanted to promote that message to others.
"My parents were told I wouldn't live past 10 and I'm turning 46 this year, and I think that gives hope to people with CF because it can be seen as a death sentence," she said.
Thanks to medical advancements, the average life expectancy of someone living with CF is now 37 but there are still many children who do not reach adulthood and there is no cure.
For more information about Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month or to donate through the 65 roses campaign, visit www.cysticfibrosis.org.au .
