<p>Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder which affects the secretory glands in the human body. An abnormal gene in people afflicted by the disorder causes the overproduction of unusually thick mucus in the body. Over secretion usually occurs in the intestinal tract and in the respiratory system, specifically in the lungs. Cystic fibrosis affects some 30,000 Americans and about 70,000 people worldwide. Approximately 1,000 cases of cystic fibrosis are diagnosed each year, with more than 70% of the afflicted being diagnosed by the age of 2. While many advances have been made the treatment of cystic fibrosis, the median age of survival of a person with the disease is just above 37 years of age. The most promising cure for cystic fibrosis comes from gene therapy, which replaces deficient genes with normal copies of the CFTR gene. There are a number of organizations currently seeking funds to help promote cystic fibrosis research.

Symptoms of cystic fibrosis include salty tasting skin, continued coughing with thick phlegm, lung infections, difficulty breathing and shortness of breath. Those who are afflicted by the disease typically experience reduced weight gain and growth despite healthy diets. Bowel movements can also be disrupted; cystic fibrosis has been known to cause abnormally thick and greasy stool. </p>