The runners of the racing team of the Panhellenic Cystic Fibrosis Association dedicated their medals to the patients with Cystic Fibrosis who are fighting for the Unlimited Breath and the 2nd chance for life.

Runners ran for Cystic Fibrosis on Saturday 9 November in the 5km race of the 41st Authentic Athens Marathon not just to cover a distance, but to honour a life’s struggle. A race that is fought every day by patients and their families. Each step of the runners was heavy with emotion and responsibility. From the weight of illness, the agony of waiting for a lung transplant, the pain of loss.

Cystic Fibrosis & Lung Transplantation – A Race for Unlimited Breath

Cystic fibrosis is the most common hereditary disease worldwide, with over half a million carriers in Greece. It is a genetic multisystemic disease, which mainly affects the lungs and pancreas and has a low survival rate. In recent years, with the advent of innovative therapies, which target about 90% of patients worldwide, Cystic Fibrosis is changing its face. However, lung transplantation continues to remain the only lifesaving option for patients with end-stage respiratory failure.

“These days, the need for support for Cystic Fibrosis patients is greater than ever,” said the President of the Panhellenic Cystic Fibrosis Association, Anna Spinou, continuing: “All our thoughts are focused on our 17-year-old patient Marianna who has been supported by the ECMO lung machine for about two months and is waiting for a compatible lung transplant to be found so she can continue to live. She is joined by other patients on the transplant waiting list, waiting for their 2nd chance at life. Our thoughts are with our two fellow patients who have undergone a lung transplant and are struggling to recover, and those patients who have unfortunately lost the battle. Our 31-year-old transplant patient Nicolas, who fought for his breath and passed away a few days ago, reminds us how precious every breath is, how important organ donation is.”

“Unlimited Breath- Be a life Donor”- We support transplants with actions

The campaign “Breathe Unlimited Breath – Be a Life Donor” of the Panhellenic Cystic Fibrosis Association to raise awareness for transplants and organ donation continues with undiminished intensity.

As stated by the General Secretary of the Association, Konstantina Giannaki, “It is our duty to inform and raise public awareness about transplants and organ donation so that we can give hope and the second chance for life to more patients. We stand beside Cystic Fibrosis patients and their families all over Greece, offering support, information and help in any way we can. We will not stop fighting until Cystic Fibrosis is defeated. In memory of those who have passed away. For the lives of those who remain.”

Become an organ donor – Donate a life

Organ donation is an act of life and love. Find out today how you can become an organ donor and give “Breathless Breath” and a second chance at life to those who need it.

Become an organ donor now and give Marianna and all those waiting for a second chance at life a breath of fresh air: eom.gr/ethniko-mitroo-doreas-organon-kai-iston/

Learn more about the “Breathless Breath – Be a Life Donor” organ donation campaign: cysticfibrosis.gr/draseis/be-a-life-donor-campaign/