Why CF mum Lian is getting involved in Wear Yellow Day

My son Henry was diagnosed at 3 weeks old following the routine heel prick test. We have no family history of CF and Henry's older sister, Emma, doesn't have it, so his diagnosis came as a big shock.

The first few months following the diagnosis were hard as we tried to adjust to this new world. Establishing routines with regards to physio and meds and seeking advice from the CF team at Sheffield Children's Hospital were all key to getting to grips with things.

Henry is 7 now and CF is part of our lives; it's something he has and we give it the time it needs and no more. We're lucky to have a strong support network to call on when necessary, which is invaluable. My advice to other parents dealing with a CF diagnosis, would be to focus on your child. CF varies widely from person to person, and so many factors can influence outcomes, so the best thing to do is focus on your child, what they need and how they are. 

For Wear Yellow Day 2022, Henry and Emma’s school will be getting involved by hosting their own yellow-themed fundraiser. I will be donning my favourite yellow top, donating some money and joining in the fun! The work carried out by Cystic Fibrosis Trust is invaluable. Research, support, campaigning and education are all so important when it comes to conditions like CF.

My hope is that Henry will get to live his life unlimited by his CF and that he will experience everything life has to offer; that he will live a happy and healthy life. The work of the Trust is vital in achieving this, which is why I’ll be wearing yellow on 17 June!

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition which causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system. It affects more than 10,800 people in the UK. One in 25 of us carries the faulty gene that causes it, usually without knowing.

Since 1964, we've supported people with cystic fibrosis to live longer, healthier lives -and we won’t stop until everyone can live without limits imposed by CF.