Cystic fibrosis is one of the most common life-shortening, inherited diseases to strike during childhood. It affects the lungs and digestive system, often causing various disabilities in its victims. More than 30,000 people in the United States are affected with it, and more than 1,000 are diagnosed with it every year. Worse yet? No cure exists. With modern medicine, technology and vast progress made with research, the median age of survival has jumped from 14 years in 2002 to 36.8. This Tuesday, the Neighborhood Cup, which hosts everything from swing dancing, hot-rod showoffs, a Scrabble club and live music, has organized a Red Cross blood drive in the name of cystic fibrosis. And if pure altruism isn't enough to motivate you to show up, try this: donating blood may actually reduce the risk of heart disease for men and help encourage the production of red blood cells.
Tue., Dec. 11, noon, 2007
