Geoff Helisma | Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most prevalent genetic illness in Australia; it primarily affects the lungs and digestive system – there is no cure and sufferers have a 38-year life expectancy. Seven-year-old Chloe Edwards from Yamba was diagnosed with the condition when she was five weeks old. Her parents, Kate and Anthony, are holding a fundraising event at the Yamba Shores Tavern Boardroom and Bar on Saturday April 28, in aid of not-for-profit organisation Cystic Fibrosis Queensland. Chloe, who is regularly treated in Brisbane, lives a regular life for a child of her age, despite spending several hours each day clearing her airways. “Chloe is an active happy girl,” says Kate. “She enjoys martial arts, swimming, the beach and camping. “Her physio schedule involves twice a-day breathing and nebuliser masks, with antibiotics through them. “Chloe has regular checkups at the Brisbane hospital and annual extensive tests.” This will be the fourth fundraiser Kate and Anthony have held; having raised $22,000 since the first event in 2012. “Hopefully a healthy lifestyle will help Chloe in the long run, to live a longer life,” says Kate. “With a lot of research and things like that into the future, hopefully it’ll be lot longer than 38 years.” She says that holding fundraising events is a way to give back to CF Queensland and to “help other people who need assistance”. Cystic Fibrosis Queensland supports almost 1,000 people with cystic fibrosis and their families: throughout Queensland, the Northern Territory and northern New South Wales. Cystic Fibrosis Queensland’s CEO, Petrina Fraccaro, is the guest speaker and ‘Hard Drive’ will provide entertainment. Tickets are $70 each for a two-course dinner, entertainment, auctions, raffles and much more – tables seat 10 people. Please purchase tickets by calling Kate Edwards on 0429 424 336. For more information about CF Queensland, go to: www.cysticfibrosis.org.au