Washington, DC, Oct 17, 2006 - U.S. Representative John Carter (TX-31) recently joined the Congressional Cystic Fibrosis Caucus to help find a cure or control for one of the most life-threatening genetic diseases.

“I am honored to join the Congressional Cystic Fibrosis Caucus and the fight against cystic fibrosis. This life-threatening genetic disease currently affects 30,000 children and adults throughout the country. By promoting policies that support cystic fibrosis research, we can help find a cure for this devastating disease,” Congressman Carter said. “I also want to applaud the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for their endless efforts on behalf of cystic fibrosis research. I look forward to working with them in efforts to bring hope to thousands of cystic fibrosis patients.”

Specifically, the caucus seeks to increase awareness of cystic fibrosis (CF), educate Congress and the public about the disease, improve the quality of life for individuals with cystic fibrosis, support cystic fibrosis research funding, and promote policies that address the research and healthcare needs of the cystic fibrosis community. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, which is the primary sponsor of critical research that is making tremendous advances toward a cure and control of this disease, applauded Congressman Carter for joining the Cystic Fibrosis Caucus.

People with CF have two copies of a defective gene that causes the body to produce abnormally thick, sticky mucus, which clogs the lungs and can result in fatal lung infections. The mucus also obstructs the pancreas, causing difficulty with absorbing nutrients in food.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is leader in CF research. When the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation was established in 1955, by the families of children with cystic fibrosis (CF), the future for a person with CF was pretty grim. Patients were not expected to live long enough to attend elementary school. Today, the median age for someone with CF is nearly 37.