ELLENBROOK resident Caz Boyd was born with cystic fibrosis and celebrates 30 years post double lung transplant next month.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease where a person’s lungs, airways and digestive system produce thick, sticky mucus that traps bacteria in the lungs and causes recurrent infections, as well as limiting the function of digestive organs like the pancreas.

CF is the number one life-limiting genetic condition in Australia, with more than 3700 people living with the disease across the country, and one in 25 people carrying the recessive gene that causes cystic fibrosis.

Ms Boyd has been involved with Cystic Fibrosis WA for many years, and is a strong advocate for CF treatment and research.

She said her own experiences with the disease made her want to make a difference for other people’s futures.

“Some of the experiences I had growing up and living with CF I did not want others to experience so I decided at 16-years-old that I would start advocating to ensure no one else had the same experiences,” she said.

This year, Ms Boyd will also be the guest speaker at the annual Glenn Brown Foundation Melbourne Cup fundraiser.

The Melbourne Cup lunch was started in 2003 by the Glenn Brown foundation, to raise money for much-needed research into the causes, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of cystic fibrosis.
The foundation is named for Glenn Brown, a Kalgoorlie boy who lost his life to cystic fibrosis at only 15-years-old.

Ms Boyd said she was proud to be sharing her story at this year’s event, and said the money raised would ensure research continues for many years and helps many more people like her.

“Research made my transplant possible and it’s what keeps me going today,” she said.

“100 years ago, no one would have thought you could have a double lung transplant but look where we are today. And through research there will be more miracles.”

Ms Boyd eventually met the family of her donor, a young mum named Natalie, which is uncommon for transplant recipients to be able to do, unless they knew the person beforehand.
“Natalie’s kids told me I was special, saying ‘you’ve got mummy’s lungs’,” she said.

“It’s something I think about every day and I’m incredibly grateful for. I wouldn’t be here without the organ donation made by Natalie’s family.

“Organ donation is the most generous selfless act. Without the organ donor, there is no story, no hope, no transplant. But when there is an organ donor, life springs from death, sorrow turns to hope, and a terrible loss becomes a gift.”

Ms Boyd said funding research is the most straightforward path to a cure.

“Research into CF is imperative to help us find a cure, and develop new medications to aid people living with CF. Too many people lose their lives to this disease and the only way we can stop that is through research,” she said.

Donations to the Glenn Brown Fund and tickets to this year’s Melbourne Cup lunch can be purchased through www.fundraising.resphealth.org.au