Looking to Donate to Cystic Fibrosis Organizations?

The days following Thanksgiving are some of the most fun and festive times of the year. From waking early to shop for loved ones, or instead “opting outside” to take part in the REI challenge, Cyber Monday deals, or participating in holiday preparation tradition.

What my Thanksgiving weekend looks like

Wednesday
This is usually how my week looks: The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is spent cooking, baking, preparing things for the following day, or all three. This year we hope to attend a decorative lights viewing at our local zoo, called Zoolights.

Thanksgiving and Black Friday
Thanksgiving Day, we’ll drive two hours North to our family’s home, and spend the remaining day eating delicious food, sitting, talking and playing games. We’ll spend the night there and wake up early the next day to head to shop. I never end up buying anything, but it’s fun to spend time with family, listen to the holiday music in the stores, and sip peppermint coffee while wandering through the displays of trees and lights and other shiny (sometimes even flashing) décor.

Saturday
Since our family celebrates Christmas, we venture out to a tree farm to select and cut down our own Christmas tree. There’s usually a hayride to take, candy canes to eat, and I have a habit of drinking too many cups of hot apple cider while I try to stay warm through to fields of trees until we find the most perfect tree - which usually resembles a full-sized version of the tree from the Charlie Brown Christmas special.

Sunday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday
On Sunday, we make our way home. Monday I might do a little bit of online gift shopping, and on Tuesday, Giving Tuesday, I’ll find a charity to support that tugs on my heart.

Here is a list of some of my favorite charities to consider supporting on Giving Tuesday:

Charities accepting donations for cystic fibrosis

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (United States)

The CFF is one of my top choices when I choose to donate. I’ve pulled a statement from their website that best describes the mission of the organization: “The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is to cure cystic fibrosis and to provide all people with the disease the opportunity to lead full, productive lives by funding research and drug development, promoting individualized treatment, and ensuring access to high-quality, specialized care.”

In addition to all of these amazing endeavors, the CF foundation provides personalized assistance through their Compass program that can help families affected by CF navigate financial, insurance, and legal issues.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is specific to the United States, but other organizations exist for other areas around the world. Here are a few that I am familiar with. While each organization is unique, they all serve the same purpose: to help those living with Cystic Fibrosis.

• Cystic Fibrosis Canada (Canada)
• South African Cystic Fibrosis Association (South Africa)
• Cystic Fibrosis Trust (United Kingdom)

HealthWell Foundation

HealthWell is a nonprofit designed to provide financial assistance for qualifying medical expenses. HealthWell states: “When health insurance is not enough, we fill the gap by assisting with copays, premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses.” HealthWell is proud to have been one of Nonprofit Time’s top 100 charities of 2019. With over 400,000 patients served, and an average of 99% of every dollar going directly to assist patients, it’s easy to see why.

Colton’s Legacy Foundation

Colton’s Legacy Foundation provides support and resources to those living with CF. This organization hosts various fundraisers to support for clinical studies and research. Perhaps best known for giving away Afflo Vests to CF patients, that is just one example of the fun and innovative ways Colton’s Legacy is spreading awareness and generosity to the CF community.

Claire’s Place Foundation

Claire’s Place Foundation is a nonprofit named in honor of the late Claire Wineland, a Cystic Fibrosis and avid advocate for CF, and talented public speaker. Claire spent her time on earth sharing her unique and heroic approach to living a life of meaning. This organization’s mission is to provide financial and emotional support to those living with CF though grants and personal connection and community cultivation.

Making a donation to cystic fibrosis

These are just a few of the many organizations that benefit cystic fibrosis patients and families. There are many groups that engage in a variety of CF advocacy, financial, research, and connection-related endeavors. If you are considering making a donation this Giving Tuesday, thank you for keeping those who are affected by cystic fibrosis in mind.