May is Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month

May is Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, dedicated to recognizing a complex genetic condition that impacts the lungs, digestive system, and other organs. For individuals living with this disease, everyday breathing can require more effort than most of us ever think about.

What is Cystic Fibrosis?

Cystic Fibrosis is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, which affects how salt and water move in and out of cells. This leads to the production of thick sticky mucus that can build up in various organs, but mainly the lungs and pancreas. Common symptoms include:

Respiratory Symptoms:

• Persistent cough along
• Thick mucus buildup in the airways
• Persistent lung or sinus infections
• Wheezing and/or shortness of breath

Digestive Symptoms:

• Abnormal stool, such as foul-smelling and greasy
• Persistent (severe) constipation
• Poor weight gain or growth

Statistics on Cystic Fibrosis and Treatment

More than 160,000 people worldwide are affected by this disease. In the United States alone, approximately 40,000 children and adults are living with CF, and thousands more are diagnosed each year.

However, life expectancy has significantly shifted over the recent decades. Although it was considered a childhood disease at first, many individuals in the U.S. are now living well into their 40s and 50s due to improved treatment and advances in care. One of those treatments is Trikafta, a highly effective prescription medicine for patients 2 and older. This drug is approved for use in children and adults with the F508del mutation or at least one responsive CFTR gene variant. In 2019, this medication was initially approved to treat patients with CF aged 12 and older. In 2024, the age was lowered to 2 and was further approved for 94 additional mutations. 

There is, however, no cure for CF. Other common treatments include airway clearance techniques, pancreatic enzyme supplements, and high-calorie nutrition plans.

Our Part in May

Our goal is to put quality components into the hands of those who are treating this disease. That is why we launched REAP: Component Supply’s Research and Awareness Program. We want to see patients nationwide REAP the benefits of advancements in medical (device) research and development for the diseases affecting them.

Each month, we offer discounts on orders and spotlight researchers through our blog and social media.

How Do You Get Involved with CS REAP?

• If you’re currently researching Cystic Fibrosis, all you have to do is:
• Email Stephanie at parts@componentsupplycompany.com with REAP2026 as the subject line to request the survey
• Let us know which of our components you’re interested in purchasing to support your research
• Complete a short, 6-question survey so we can learn more about you, your work, and how our products are being used

And that’s it! Upon returning the survey, you will receive a discount code to use in our online store. We’ll turn the survey into a blog post and share and promote it through our social media channels, including LinkedIn and Facebook. And of course, we’ll send it to you too, so you can share it with your community.

Progress in cystic fibrosis care has been driven by decades of research, collaboration, and persistence. At Component Supply, we’re proud to support the researchers and product designers helping push that progress forward.

Let’s REAP the benefits, together.

Resources

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Research funding, clinical trial updates, and patient support resources
www.cff.org

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Overview of CF causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches
www.nhlbi.nih.gov

Mayo Clinic – Cystic Fibrosis
Clinical overview of diagnosis, management, and care strategies
www.mayoclinic.org