Personal message

Hello from Johannesburg, South Africa!

We're reaching out on behalf of Ella, a remarkable 10-year-old battling Cystic Fibrosis - a severe, chronic respiratory illness which means she has to fight for each and every breath she takes. Despite her daily struggle with this life-threatening illness Ella remains optimistic, brave, and full of life.

Diagnosed at just 10 months old, Ella has undergone extensive treatments since infancy including many lengthy, invasive hospital stays.  Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic disorder affecting the lungs and organs, requires her to endure nebulizers, physiotherapy, numerous pills, and regular hospital stays. Despite these challenges, Ella radiates positivity, demonstrating resilience and pursuing her love for sports.

While a global community of around 100,000 supports CF awareness and fundraising, the cost and availability of life-saving drugs remains prohibitive in many countries, including South Africa.

Ella's only hope now lies in Trixacar, a generic alternative which can only be purchased - in person - in Argentina at an eye-watering R60,000 per month. To access this alternative, she desperately needs your support. Without the drug, Ella’s lung function will continue to deteriorate (she currently has just 80% lung capacity), her life expectancy will be significantly shorter than her friends and she may require a lung transplant. She will find it increasingly difficult to breathe, she will develop increasingly severe lung infections that will require more frequent and extended stays in hospital. These will continue to affect her education and she will continue to miss out on so many of the joys of childhood (and adulthood) that many of us take for granted. 

We urge you to contribute in any way possible and share Ella's story widely. Additionally, sign the global petition "Vertex Save Us" and explore initiatives by the South African Cystic Fibrosis Organisation. If you're outside South Africa, connect with your country's CF trust to offer assistance. 

Together, we can make a meaningful difference in Ella's life and the lives of many others battling Cystic Fibrosis.

Donations