“How can we help?”
Four simple words. A quiet question between friends that became the guiding principle of an entire nonprofit organization.
Since its founding in 2016, Friends Fighting Cystic Fibrosis (FFCF) has been dedicated to supporting children, adults, and families navigating life with cystic fibrosis (CF). Through grassroots fundraising, community partnerships, and generous donors, FFCF has raised more than $1.4 million to advance cystic fibrosis care, research, and direct family support.
$1,410,300.00 — to be exact.
Every dollar represents hope. Every contribution reflects a community united in the fight against cystic fibrosis.
From the beginning, FFCF made a simple promise: 100% of every donated dollar goes directly to helping others. With administrative costs covered by our founders, we remain nimble, responsive, and focused on real needs in real time.
For nearly a decade, one question has guided every decision:
How can we help?
And it will continue guiding us into the future.
Our Impact to Date: $1.4 Million Supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Community
Behind every number is a story. Behind every story is a family navigating the daily realities of cystic fibrosis.
Here’s how your support has made a difference:
Supporting Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Care
FFCF raised $1.1 million over five years to help build a new pediatric pulmonary unit at Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte.
This investment expanded access to specialized respiratory care for children living with cystic fibrosis and other complex pulmonary conditions, ensuring families in our region receive advanced treatment close to home.
Funding Cystic Fibrosis Research and Hospital Support
Over the past decade, FFCF has contributed $183,500 to UNC Children’s Hospital, providing direct support to children with CF and fully funding multiple cystic fibrosis research initiatives selected by our founders.
Providing Scholarships for Students Living with Cystic Fibrosis
FFCF has awarded $17,500 in scholarships to students living with CF.
One recipient was considering leaving college due to the difficulty of managing treatments far from home. After connecting with our scholarship team, this remarkable student transferred closer to their support system and graduated four years later with a 4.0 GPA.
Responding to Urgent Needs During COVID-19
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, individuals with cystic fibrosis faced heightened health risks.
FFCF donated $10,000 in protective face masks, personally delivering them to hospitals across the Southeast to support vulnerable patients and frontline healthcare providers.
Partnering with Leading Cystic Fibrosis Organizations
FFCF proudly supports and collaborates with peer organizations working to advance the cystic fibrosis community, including:
- Great Strides
- Xtreme Hike
- Levine Children’s Hospital
Because fighting cystic fibrosis requires collective effort, strong partnerships, and a shared commitment to progress.
The Future of Friends Fighting Cystic Fibrosis
Every number tells a story.
Every dollar carries purpose.
Every act of generosity strengthens the cystic fibrosis community.
And we are just getting started.
As treatments evolve and new challenges emerge for families living with CF, our mission remains steady: to provide meaningful, direct impact where it matters most.
The question that started it all still leads us forward:
How can we help?
Join Us in Supporting Families Living with Cystic Fibrosis
Friends Fighting Cystic Fibrosis exists because of a community that chooses to show up.
If you believe in advancing cystic fibrosis care, supporting families, and funding research that improves lives, we invite you to join us.
Together, we can continue building a future filled with hope for everyone living with cystic fibrosis.
