November-December, 2001 

Julie Feldman MPH RD, Clinical Dietitian

Wishing our entire CF family a Happy Thanksgiving.  With everything that has been going on in our world over the last few months, we can all sit back and appreciate everything that we have to be thankful for!  Whether it be a day without coughing or simply knowing that you have a supportive cast of family and friends to hold you up.  Take the next few days to feel grateful for whatever it is that keeps you going!  We are certainly thankful for all of you who inspire us each and every day. 

Current CF Trials

If you are interested in enrolling or just finding out what new CF trials are being undertaken at this time there is a web site to answer your questions.  Visit http://www.governmentguide.com/govsite.adp?bread=*Main&url=http%3A//www.governmentguide.com/ams/clickThruRedirect.adp%3F55076483%2C16920155%2Chttp%3A//www.clinicaltrials.gov/

click "Browse by condition" 

Click Alphabetically

click "c"

Scroll down to number 148

Click on Cystic Fibrosis and here you will find a list a all studies still recruiting patients

Starbright Foundation

The Starbright Foundation announced on November 27, 2001 the launching of Starbright Explorer Series CD-ROMs.  These 8 interactive programs are designed to help educate seriously ill and injured children ages 6 to 15 to deal with their medical conditions and procedures.  The goals of the CD's to to empower children to take control of their lives in the face of illness.  One of the CD's is for Cystic Fibrosis: Fitting CF into Your Life Every Day designed for kids aged 10-15 and a winner of the Gold Invision 1999 Award.  The CD's are available free of charge by contacting the organization at 1-800-315-2580 or at www.starbright.org.

CF Research

Researchers at the University of New Mexico are studying the acid levels in the lungs of CF patients.  They reported on November 19th, the the lungs of CF patients may be overly acidic which makes them more prone to bacterial infections.  Dr. Vojo Deretic is the leader of the team, and reported that the gene defect known to cause CF also causes the lining of the lungs to be acidic.  Researchers believe treatment for this problem would be similar to treating indigestion in the stomach.  Millions of people take antacids every day to decrease the acid levels in the stomach, so why not do the same thing in the lung.  Dr. Deretic envisions an inhaler-type product to deliver a neutralizing product which would decrease infections and improve quality of life in a relatively easy way.  We'll keep you posted.

CF Donations

The CF foundation, undoubtedly deeply saddened by the events of September 11th, have been effected by the events far reaching effects.  The CF foundation now finds itself in extremely tough times in their own fundraising efforts.  With this in mind, maybe you can help.  Consider an end-of-the year tax deduction  to the CF foundation.  Donations can be made online at a secure location at: https://secure.cff.org/online_form/reg_donate_form.cfm or mail a donation to:

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

6931 Arlington Road 

Bethesda, MD  20814

or call:

1800 FIGHT CF

If you are unable to make a financial contribution, contribute to the letter writing campaign at http://www.Click2cureCF.org 

As the winter draws near and the holidays approach, it is very important to stay warm and nourished.  Here is a wonderful and easy recipe to give you a handy and delicious snack for the holiday season!