Is the CF Foundation policy discriminatory to people with CF who have B. cepacia?
The CF Foundation believes it must take this strong position as it is in the best interest of the overall health of people living with CF. Since the CF Foundation began in 1955, we have come a long way in understanding and treating CF. Over that time, the median life expectancy has increased from infancy to the late-30s. The quality of life for people with the disease also has improved. More than 47% of people with CF are adults and many people have full-time careers and families. However, the existence and persistence of B. cepacia threatens to undermine many of our successes. It is unacceptable to lose one life to B. cepacia when how it’s spread is known and can be minimized. While we recognize the value of friendships among those with CF and regret these drastic measures, B. cepacia infection knows no limits. The CF Foundation can legally exclude people with CF who have had B. cepacia to safeguard the health of the larger CF community. We must take strong steps to minimize the risk
