Cystic Fibrosis Care Circle Grant: Living with CF
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A Circle of Care: How Community Grants are Empowering People with Cystic Fibrosis
At Vertex, we are driven by a commitment to creating transformative medicines for people with serious and life-threatening diseases like cystic fibrosis (CF). But we recognize that our role extends far beyond teh lab. We strive to make a real impact on people’s lives, not just their health. One way we do this is through our Circle of Care grant program. Each year, we provide funding to organizations within the global CF community that support those with CF to live fuller, more engaged lives. This year, we’d like to highlight two wonderful organizations: Cystic Fibrosis Queensland in Australia and Claire’s Place Foundation in the United States.
Navigating Transition with Cystic Fibrosis Queensland
the transition from pediatric to adult care can be a challenging time for anyone. For teens with CF, especially those living in rural or remote areas, this transition can be even more complex. Current treatment regimens may allow teens to live further from their multidisciplinary care teams, making it crucial to maintain consistent adherence to treatment and open communication with healthcare providers.
To address this need, Cystic Fibrosis Queensland developed the “Transition? What’s this got to do with me?” guide, funded by a Circle of Care grant. According to Petrina Fraccaro, CEO of Cystic Fibrosis Queensland, the guide was created “to develop autonomy and support clinical adherence at the same time.” This resource provides downloadable materials covering various aspects of transitioning to adult care, including physiotherapy, exercise, medication routines, emotional well-being, and more. It also includes two checklists to help teens reflect on their comfort level and knowledge when navigating their care with their providers.
Fraccaro emphasized the importance of inclusive project advancement, stating, “It is meaningful to include as many voices as possible in community projects…to ensure everyone feels included and to achieve the best possible outcome.” The grant funding enabled the team to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and provide training to community members to conduct the necessary research and interviews.
Empowering Careers with Claire’s Place Foundation
Living with CF, or being a caregiver, can present unique challenges when it comes to employment. Claire’s Place Foundation, based in the United States, received a Circle of Care grant to launch their “Work Proudly” program. This program helps participants explore career paths by covering the costs of certifications, providing job readiness training, and connecting them with resources.The program aims to empower individuals with CF to achieve financial stability and independence. “We want to make sure people have the tools they need to be successful,” says a representative from Claire’s Place Foundation.
Investing in the CF community
At Vertex, we believe in the power of collaboration and the importance of supporting organizations that are making a difference in the lives of people with CF. We are grateful to Cystic Fibrosis queensland and Claire’s Place Foundation for their dedication and innovative work. Through the Circle of Care program, we hope to empower individuals with CF, their caregivers, and their advocates to live their fullest lives.
Learn More:
To learn more about Vertex’s commitment to the CF community, visit https://www.vrtx.com/
For more facts about the Circle of Care grant program, visit https://www.vrtx.com/