The Reach for the Stars Foundation is dedicated to providing children afflicted with Cystic Fibrosis and their families with the resources, knowledge and support necessary to manage their unrelenting battle with this insidious disease. Cystic Fibrosis is not only physically debilitating, but carries a heavy financial and psychological burden for families.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) compromises 30,000 children and young adults in the U.S. Tragically only 50 percent of CF sufferers live to be 30 years of age. CF is characterized by the body's abundant production of very thick and sticky mucus. This mucus becomes an ideal environment for infections and causes blockages throughout the body. Although the disease manifests itself in many ways, it is most commonly the constant infections and buildup of mucus plugging in the lung tissue, that eventually lead to the destruction of the lungs and ultimate death of these children.

We are devoted to alleviating the myriad of devastating consequences suffered by the CF afflicted and their families. Many are in desperate need of assistance. Our objective is to enhance their quality-of-life, now, so that they will be healthy enough to be the beneficiaries of on going research and medication advancements. Ultimately, our ambition is to see them live long enough, so that they will be able to see a cure for this devastating disease.

Our vision is to provide information and educational resources so that critical knowledge can be readily found, disseminated and its benefits immediately derived. We plan to provide a support network and various forms of assistance to CF families. Our goal is to help these families cope by advocating for them when necessary, all the while empowering them to self-advocate; so essential a tool for successful management of this hideous disease.

To date, Reach for the Stars has given out close to $100,000 of assistance to CF families in need. While this number may seem small, it is important to note that only 30,000 people in the United States suffer from Cystic Fibrosis and it is what is known as an "orphan disease". The Reach for the Stars Foundation only serves low-income families.

The individuals we help are so grateful and thankful for our assistance. The following are just a sampling of what those we have helped have to say:

"I cannot begin to describe the weight that has been lifted off my shoulders because of your foundation. I cannot put into words how grateful I am. I was able to catch up on all of my bills, erasing a huge amount of stress." From Jennifer N., who received $7,250 of assistance.

"I greatly appreciate the financial assistance that you are giving me. I have been truly blessed by your foundation; and I would not ever be able to repay your kindness." From Russell B., who received $8,096.35 of assistance.

"Without the help of your foundation, I do not know what would have happened to me and my family. We are going through a very hard time right now, and you all are helping at the right time. Thank you very much!" From Tracy S., who received $8,400 of assistance.

The Reach for the Stars Foundation is also in its third year of advocating passing important legislation regarding insurance in Tallahassee. The legislation, as written, would require health insurance policies, health maintenance organizations, and other insurance plans to cover treatments for cystic fibrosis authorized by a physician. Only treatments deemed medically necessary for the treatment of the disease will be covered.

If passed, the bill will include coverage for emergency hospitalizations, transplants, Chest Physiotherapy, clinic visits to cystic fibrosis specialists, brand-name medications, and nutritional supplements.

While other states are considering similar cystic fibrosis treatment legislation, Florida is positioned to be a leader in advancing care by passing this law, as no other state currently offers this level of support for children with CF.

The Reach For The Stars Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit foundation dedicated to providing services and support to individuals and families struggling with Cystic Fibrosis. The priorities of the Foundation are advocacy, education and assistance in ensuring patient and family compliance with individual treatment plans. The Foundation is operated through an independent Board of Directors and is committed to Bridging the Gap between living with CF and finding the cure.

The Reach for the Stars Foundation is currently funding the following programs to meet the special needs of the CF community:

1. Emergency Medical Treatment
The Reach for the Stars Foundation will provide financial support for travel, lodging and transportation to facilitate prompt and appropriate medical attention.
2. Therapeutic Treatments
The Reach for the Stars Foundation financial support to individuals living with CF so that they may obtain the Respiratory Therapy treatments or Nutritional Supplementation required to optimally combat this devastating disease.
3. Medication Support
The Reach for the Stars Foundation offers the most up-to-date information on medication treatment regimes and protocols and seeks to provide education and assistance to applicants in negotiating appropriate insurance support. It will additionally provide financial assistance to individuals and families struggling with the cost of much needed medications, high co-pays and out-of-pocket costs.
4. Special Needs
As we continue to Bridge the Gap between living with CF and finding a cure, the Reach for the Stars Foundation is committed to meeting the unique and unanticipated needs of our community.

For information on our upcoming events visit: www.r4stars.org