May 01, 2026
WHEREAS, cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease affecting approximately 40,000 children and adults in the United States and an estimated 105,000 worldwide, including 1,226 residents of this state; and,
WHEREAS, a defective gene causes the body to produce abnormally thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs, leading to life-threatening infections, and obstructs the pancreas, preventing digestive enzymes from properly aiding in food absorption; and,
WHEREAS, more than 10 million Americans are symptomless carriers of the defective CF gene, and CF occurs in approximately one of every 3,500 live births in the United States; and,
WHEREAS, the predicted median survival age for a person with CF is 65.4 years; and,
WHEREAS, advances in treatment have led to a growing number of adults living with CF, with approximately 800 new cases diagnosed each year; and,
WHEREAS, about 40 percent of the CF population is age 18 or younger, and individuals with CF experience a wide range of symptoms due to more than 1,700 identified gene mutations; and,
WHEREAS, infant blood screening is the most reliable and cost-effective method to identify individuals likely to have CF; and,
WHEREAS, early diagnosis enables early treatment, improving quality of life and longevity, with care tailored to disease progression and organ involvement; and,
WHEREAS, daily treatment often includes clearing mucus from the lungs, along with therapies such as inhaled antibiotics and pancreatic enzyme supplements; and,
WHEREAS, Michigan is home to 11 world-class treatment centers specializing in the diagnosis and care of individuals with CF; and,
WHEREAS, access to innovative medicines is a critical component of effective CF treatment and can significantly improve patient outcomes; and,
WHEREAS, improving both the length and quality of life for individuals with CF begins with increased public awareness;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 2026 as Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month in Michigan.
