'I am a mum to a fabulous, energetic and fun loving little girl who has CF' - Leitrim called to help

People in Leitrim are being urged to help Cystic Fibrosis Ireland meet its fundraising target of €300,000 on 65 Roses Day, taking place this year on Friday, 10th April with volunteers across the country selling purple roses to support fundraising, in Dunnes Stores branches, shopping centres and other participating outlets. 

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited condition that affects multiple systems including breathing, digestion and reproduction. Ireland has the highest rate of CF per capita in the world, with more than 1,400 people are living with CF, 33 new cases diagnosed each year and many people living with the most severe forms. There is no cure, and CF often becomes more severe over time. Thanks to multidisciplinary care and the introduction of modulator therapies, many people with CF are living well into adulthood. However, as people age, new challenges can emerge, including CF‑related diabetes, osteoporosis and an increased risk of colorectal cancer. 

Today, CFI is investing in research to better understand the emerging issues and provides essential supports including: 

• A dedicated information and support line offering guidance, reassurance and advice 
• Targeted financial assistance through a range of grants that help ease the cost of living with CF
• Monthly online peer‑support groups that connect people with CF and strength the community

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Encouraging people in Leitrim to go out and support Cystic Fibrosis Ireland on 65 Roses Day this year is Cassie Byrne from Sligo: 

"I am a mum to a fabulous, energetic and fun loving little girl who has CF. Thankfully she is doing well and long may that last. But living well with CF, be it as a person with CF, a carer of someone with CF or as a family impacted by CF, takes an extra layer of hard work that people don't always appreciate or see.  

“The support from CFI is invaluable, whether that is availing of a grant or just having someone to talk to. On 65 Roses Day, I'm calling on everyone to buy a rose, visit Dunnes Stores or donate online! Every donation goes towards supporting people with CF in Ireland. We really appreciate your support!"

‘Rewriting Tomorrow’ exhibition  

As part of 65 Roses Day 2026, Cystic Fibrosis ambassadors have penned letters to their future selves, imagining milestones and plans for futures that once felt out of reach. Children living with CF also took part in a workshop with cartoonist Brendan Lonergan, creating self-portraits of themselves both now and as they envision their future selves. 

These letters and artworks, which captures this hopeful shift through deeply personal reflections, form the foundation of a powerful new exhibition, ‘Rewriting Tomorrow’, taking place at The Copper House in Dublin city centre during 65 Roses Week 2026. The exhibition opens on Tuesday, 7th April and will run until Sunday, 12th April. 

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CFI is calling on people from Leitrim to support its annual 65 Roses Day so that vital services for people living with CF can continue nationwide. Public generosity enables the organisation to provide essential supports to everyone who needs them, while also driving investment in hospital facilities, clinical teams and research. CFI remains firmly committed to advancing care and improving outcomes for people with CF — and will continue this work until the day a cure is found. 

People can support Cystic Fibrosis Ireland on 65 Roses Day by purchasing a purple rose at Dunnes Stores and other participating outlets. For more information and to donate online, visit www.65roses.ie.