Gordon Brown is the Chancellor of the Exchequer of the United Kingdom (the British cabinet minister responsible for all economic and financial matters) and is expected to succeed Tony Blair as Prime Minister.Mr. Brown' four-month old son Fraser was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF) during routine screening test soon after his birth. According to The Times, "Fraser Brown was born on July 17 at the Royal Infirmary, in Edinburgh. He weighed a healthy 7lb 14oz (3.6kg). The condition was picked up in routine blood tests that all babies in Scotland (but not in England) undergo."
I have worked with children and young adults with cystic fibrosis in the past and I have always been impressed by how tough and mentally grown up those little guys are. Currently, they are fighting a loosing battle since there is no treatment for CF and the average life expectancy is 30-35 years. I cannot help but to share my utmost respect for all patients with cystic fibrosis and their families and my hope that one day a cure for this genetic condition will be found.
Cystic fibrosis is the most common autosomal recessive disease among people of European heritage. In the United States, approximately 30,000 individuals have CF. Approximately 1 in every 25 people of European descent is a carrier of a cystic fibrosis mutation. Approximately 1 in every 46 Hispanics, 1 in every 65 Africans and 1 in every 90 Asians carry at least one abnormal CFTR gene (source: Wikipedia, verified).
Newborn screening for cystic fibrosis (CF) has been mandated for the state of Ohio, beginning August 30, 2006.
References:
Brown family faces a new challenge as baby Fraser has cystic fibrosis. The Times.
'Each winter survived is another victory'. The Guardian.
Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital Prepared for Newborn Screening for Cystic Fibrosis. UHHS.com.
Image source: Cystic fibrosis from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.