Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Teams up with Gelson’s Supermarkets

Throughout the month of June, Gelson’s will hold a fundraiser for children with Cystic Fibrosis. Together with its millions of patrons and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Gelson’s locations throughout Southern California hope to raise funds to help find a cure for this inherited disease that targets the lungs and digestive system and for which there is no cure. The average life expectancy of someone with cystic fibrosis is 41 years old.

Gelson’s patrons who choose to participate can support The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation by donating pre-selected amounts of $3, $5, or $10 at the register. There are 25 Gelson’s stores throughout Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Diego Counties.

“With a contribution of just a few dollars, Gelson’s guests can help make a huge difference in the lives of children battling cystic fibrosis,” said Rob McDougall, President and CEO of Gelson’s. “The generosity of our customers continues to inspire us to give back to the community. We are proud to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in its effort to save the lives of those with cystic fibrosis.”

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide).  A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections, and obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food.

With no public funding, funds raised from the private sector provide a tremendous and critical lifeline to the more than 70,000 children around the world with cystic fibrosis.  Today as a result of its dedication to research and finding a cure for CF, the average life expectancy of someone with cystic fibrosis is 41 years old, up from about 18 only 15 years ago.