Our newborn baby boy, Cannan Jon, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic life-threatening disease that progressively limits lung function/the ability to breathe. His inherited defective gene causes thick mucous to line the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. It causes clogged airways and trapped bacteria, frequent infections, lung damage, and respiratory failure. The mucous also prevents proper enzyme release in the pancreas resulting in poor ability to break down food and absorb nutrients.
Due to the diseases progressive nature many lives are cut short and there is currently no cure for cyctic fibrosis. However with medical advacements and great medical care the average lifespan is 40; compared to elementary age - as it was in the 1950s.  We are learning daily how to care for Cannan's disease and help him fight against the symptoms. We have been informed that the average medical cost per year for a child with cystic fibrosis is $40,000. The cost includes all his doctor visits, his medications, hospital stays, physical therapy, dieticians....I do not know what insurance we will be able to afford once i am out of the Army, or how long I will have to be working before my new insurance will cover his medical needs. There are a lot of unknowns for our growing family. Our priority is to be proactive in keeping Cannan in the best medical care possible to maintain the highest level of health he can. Any donation you make will go to Cannan's medical treatment or equipment as those costs come up. Thank you for reading and learning about Cannan and CF as we are. To learn more about CF visit cff.org for creditable information.