Last updated on June 8th, 2016 at 02:44 pm
Starting June 6 and through the rest of the month, Gelson’s is holding a fundraiser to benefit those who live with cystic fibrosis (CF).
Gelson’s operates 25 upscale grocery markets throughout Southern California, and with its shoppers, the grocer hopes to raise funds to help find a cure for this inherited disease that targets the lungs and digestive system and for which there is no cure.
Gelson’s patrons who choose to participate can support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation by donating pre-selected amounts of $3, $5 or $10 at the register. Gelson’s stores are located in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Diego Counties.
“With a contribution of just a few dollars, Gelson’s guests can help make a huge difference in the lives of children battling cystic fibrosis,” said Rob McDougall, president and CEO of Gelson’s. “The generosity of our customers continues to inspire us to give back to the community. We are proud to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in its effort to save the lives of those with cystic fibrosis.”
CF is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the U.S.; 70,000 worldwide. A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections, and obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food.
With no public funding, funds raised from the private sector provide a tremendous and critical lifeline to the more than 70,000 children around the world with cystic fibrosis. Today, as a result of its dedication to research and finding a cure for CF, the average life expectancy of someone with cystic fibrosis is 41, up from about 18 just 15 years ago.
