Fondazione Ricerca Fibrosi Cistica - ETS

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most widespread serious genetic disease in Europe: it reduces life expectancy and forces people to undergo heavy daily therapies, because there is still no cure. In Italy, one in 30 people is a healthy carrier of one of the genetic mutations that cause it and almost always does not know it. A couple consisting of two healthy carriers has a 25% chance of having a sick child with each pregnancy. Cystic fibrosis progressively compromises various organs, in particular the bronchi and lungs, to the point of being unable to breathe. In Italy, around 2 children with cystic fibrosis are born every week. Established in 1997, the Foundation for Cystic Fibrosis Research - ETS (FFC Ricerca) is the reference reality in Italy for the promotion, selection and funding of advanced research projects aimed at improving the duration and quality of life of people with CF. FFC Ricerca relies on the commitment of more than 150 delegations and support groups spread all over Italy, with more than 5,000 non-occasional volunteers who raise funds and provide information on the disease. Since 2002 to date, FFC Ricerca has invested over 36 million euros in 477 scientific projects contributing to scientific progress on the disease FFC Ricerca is also recognised by the Ministry of University and Research as a promoter of scientific research on cystic fibrosis and since 2008 has been part of the small number of Italian Institute Donation (IID).