National Donate Life Month and Fertility Awareness Month
April is National Donate Life Month and Fertility Awareness Month, two crucial awareness initiatives that hold deep significance for individuals living with cystic fibrosis (CF). Organ donation, especially lung transplants, is a life-saving option for many with CF, while fertility challenges are an often-overlooked aspect of life with the disease. This month, we shine a light on both.
Lung Transplant Awareness & Advocacy
For individuals with CF, progressive lung disease can lead to the need for a lung transplant. While this procedure can be life-changing, it also comes with challenges, making awareness, advocacy, and donor registration critical.
The Importance of Organ Donation
- Over 100,000 people in the U.S. are waiting for an organ transplant, including many with CF.
- Lungs are among the most frequently needed organs for people with CF and other respiratory diseases.
- One donor can save up to eight lives and enhance the lives of 75 more.
How You Can Help
- Register as an organ donor at RegisterMe.org.
- Encourage CF patients to prepare early by discussing transplant evaluations with their medical team.
- Spread awareness about the impact of organ donation.
- Support transplant recipients and their families through advocacy and fundraising efforts.
Fertility Awareness in Cystic Fibrosis
While CF is often associated with respiratory and digestive complications, fertility issues are a significant but lesser-discussed aspect of life with CF.
Understanding Fertility Challenges in CF
- Men with CF are often born with congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD), which leads to infertility but not sterility. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) can help.
- Women with CF can conceive but may experience reduced fertility due to thick cervical mucus, nutritional challenges, and overall health complications.
- Lung transplantation can impact fertility due to the use of immunosuppressive medications, which may carry risks during pregnancy.
Navigating Fertility Options
- Fertility screenings should be included in CF care discussions for those considering parenthood.
- Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like IVF and sperm retrieval techniques offer options for family building.
- Pregnancy planning with a CF team ensures the safest path forward for both parent and baby.
- Adoption and surrogacy are beautiful alternatives for those who wish to grow their families in other ways.
Empowering the CF Community
At the Filotimo Foundation, we are committed to raising awareness about organ donation, lung transplantation, and fertility challenges in the CF community. By sharing information and fostering discussions, we can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their futures.
This April, let’s come together to advocate for organ donation, support those awaiting lung transplants, and bring visibility to fertility challenges in CF.
Want to learn more or support our mission? Follow us on Instagram @Filotimo_Foundation and join the movement!
Sources: These links provide detailed information supporting the content of the blog post.
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF):
