What Is Cystic Fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a rare, life-threatening genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system. It is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, which disrupt the normal balance of salt and water in the body. As a result, people with CF produce thick, sticky mucus that clogs airways, traps bacteria, and leads to chronic lung infections, difficulty breathing, and progressive lung damage.

The disease also affects the digestive system, making it difficult for the body to absorb nutrients and maintain healthy growth. People with CF often face malnutrition, poor weight gain, and frequent gastrointestinal problems. A common sign of CF is very salty-tasting skin, due to salt imbalance in sweat.

CF is an inherited condition, meaning both parents must carry a copy of the faulty gene for their child to be affected. There is currently no cure, but treatments — including airway clearance, medications, high-calorie diets, and life-extending therapies like lung transplants — have significantly improved both quality of life and life expectancy in recent decades.

Still, CF remains a relentless and unpredictable disease. It claimed the life of Libby Scott Hankins, the courageous young woman for whom our foundation is named. Libby lived with cystic fibrosis for 23 years and underwent a double lung transplant in the fight for more time. She passed away just 11 months later due to complications, but her strength, spirit, and story continue to inspire us every day.

We’ll soon be sharing more from Libby’s own words, giving voice to her experience as a true CF Warrior. Her journey, full of hope, resilience, and love, reminds us why we must keep fighting — for awareness, for support, and for a cure.

To learn more about cystic fibrosis, please visit @cf_foundation on social media or at www.cff.org.

Together, we honor Libby’s legacy and stand with all those affected by CF.