Waterford people urged to support 65 Roses initiative

Cystic Fibrosis Ireland is calling on people across Waterford to support it's 65 Roses Day initiative on Friday, April 10. 

The initiative is the main fundraising drive for CFI each year and this year it has a target figure of €300,000.

Volunteers across the country will be selling purple roses to support the fundraising, in Dunne's Stores branches, shopping centres and other participating outlets.

In Waterford the roses will be for sale at the following locations: Dunne's Stores, Dungarvan, Shopping Centre; City Square Shopping Centre, Waterford City, and George's Court Shopping Centre, Waterford City.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited condition that affects multiple systems and affects breathing, digestion and reproduction. Ireland has the highest rate of CF per capita in the world, with more than 1,400 people living with CF and 33 new cases diagnosed each year.

A spokesperson for CFI said many people living with the most severe forms.

There is no cure, and CF often becomes more complex over time. However, thanks to multidisciplinary care and the introduction of modulator therapies, many people with CF are living well into adulthood. However, as people age, new challenges can emerge, including CF-related diabetes, osteoporosis and an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

CFI is investing in research to better understand the emerging issues. It also provides essential supports including: A dedicated information and support line offering guidance, reassurance and advice; Targeted financial assistance through a range of grants that help ease the cost of living with CF; Monthly online peer support groups that connect people with CF and strength the community.

Encouraging people in Waterford to support Cystic Fibrosis Ireland on 65 Roses Day this year, Liam McCarthy from Youghal said: "As Chairperson of the Southern Branch of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland and father to Ben who lives with CF, I am asking our community to stand with us. Every service we provide - whether it’s supporting families, funding hospital units, or advancing life changing research - depends entirely on public generosity."

"Your support on 65 Roses Day directly impacts the lives of people living with Cystic Fibrosis across Ireland, so buy a rose, pop down to Dunne's Stores or donate online to support 65 Roses Day'," he said.

In conjunction with the fundraising initiative an exhibition titled, 'Rewriting Tomorrow’, is also being organised.

For the exhibition Cystic Fibrosis ambassadors have penned letters to their future selves, imagining milestones and plans for futures that once felt out of reach. Children living with CF also took part in a workshop with cartoonist Brendan Lonergan, creating self-portraits of themselves both now and as they envision their future selves.

Those letters and artworks, which capture a hopeful shift through deeply personal reflections, form the foundation of the powerful new exhibition.

The exhibition will be held at the Copper House in Dublin City centre and will run from Tuesday, April 7, until Sunday, April 12.

People can support Cystic Fibrosis Ireland on 65 Roses Day by purchasing a purple rose at Dunne's Stores and other participating outlets. 

For more information and to donate online, visit www.65roses.ie.