Cystic Fibrosis (or 65 Roses to kids with CF who can't quite pronounce such a scientific term) is a progressive terminal illness that is genetically transmitted. CF primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. The body produces thick and sticky mucus that can clog the lungs and obstruct the pancreas. Cystic Fibrosis can be life-threatening, and people with the condition tend to have a shorter-than-normal life span. This is a basic definition of Cystic Fibrosis. The scientific definition. A definition that fails to even scrape the surface of this illness. In order to better explain just what CF is and how it affects the lives of the patients who live with it and the people who love them - I decided to speak to two families who have been directly impacted by this illness: The Higginbothams and The Corrys. The Higginbothams you will be hearing from: Steve, Ellen Ann, Kate, Meg, Matthew and Sandra (Matthew's wife) The Corrys you will be hearing from: Jack, Toni, John-Patrick, Ryan, Mary and Kaitlyn (Me! - Ryan's wife) Each person has a unique perspective on CF and is here to share their personal experiences and raise awareness! The 65 Roses Series will be 5 parts: Chapter I • A Mother's Love ft. Ellen Ann Higginbotham & Toni Corry Chapter II • A Father's Bond ft. Steve Higginbotham & Jack Corry Chapter III • My First Friends: A Sibling's Perspective ft. Kate Higginbotham, Meg Higginbotham, John-Patrick Corry & Mary (Corry) Field Chapter IV • In Sickness and In Health: A Wife's Persective ft. Sandra Higginbotham & Kaitlyn Corry Chapter V • The Trilogy: Direct from the Patient ft. Matthew Higginbotham & Ryan Corry