#AlfiesArmy : Why are we doing it, and where does the money go?

Immediately after birth Alfie was rushed to Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin for emergency surgery following complications after delivery, and a lengthy hospital stay followed, not the start anyone wishes for when having a child.  At 4 weeks old, Alfie was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis.

CF is a life-limiting genetic illness. Current statistics and research put life expectancy in the late 30's, a figure which sends chills down the spine of any parent. Alfie is living his life and battling CF daily, his daily routine involves daily nebulisers and physiotherapy, twice daily rounds of medicines and medication every time he eats food. He visits Crumlin every three months for a host of tests and checks with an amazing specialist CF Team, and this will be part of his life...forever. When he gets sick this all increases, as do the hospital check ups and the possibility of hospital admissions. CF, its treatment, its management and its care are a huge part of Alfie's life but that doesn't stop him enjoying every minute of his life as a child should.

Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin, alongside being a regular and vital part of Alfie's life and care, work tirelessly in the field of research and development looking for treatments and new drug therapies for children under their care.  Alfie's Doctor leads a team researching and trialling drug therapies for new ground breaking, and life changing drugs for those living with Cystic Fibrosis.  One of these drugs Kaftrio is just one new drug which has changed the life of many CF patients, Alfie included, and we are thankful to the team in Crumlin for making this possible for us. We hope that their hard work and research (funded in part by CMRF Crumlin) will help make the future for children and young adults living with CF much, much brighter.

Any donations you can spare will go towards two amazing charities, Cystic Fibrosis Ireland who help children and young people living with CF across the country, and Children's Health Foundation Crumlin who do incredible work every day caring for sick children and their families.

Many thanks in advance for your support...and remember every little helps!

Gemma (#AlfiesArmy)