CARSTAR continues its efforts to find a cure for cystic fibrosis, funding Cystic Fibrosis Canada on their #RoadToResearch, providing flight and accommodations to CFIT study participants.

The Cystic Fibrosis Individualized Therapy (CFIT) program is a one of a kind study being conducted at Toronto SickKids Hospital, requiring people from across Canada living with particular strains of cystic fibrosis (CF) to participate. The CFIT program’s objective is to develop effective, personalized treatments for every person living with cystic fibrosis.

Since launching the CFIT program in January 2016, SickKids scientists Dr. Christine Bear, Dr. Felix Ratjen, Dr. Janet Rossant and their colleagues have generated cell samples from 58 patient participants with cystic fibrosis. The team has used its biobank of samples to generate 29 stem cells lines, with another 15 more in various stages of completion. The five-year goal is to create 100 healthy stem cell lines representing the diversity of CF gene mutations across Canada.

It is estimated that one in every 3,600 children born in Canada has CF. More than 4,100 Canadian children, adolescents, and adults with cystic fibrosis attend specialized CF clinics.

The #RoadToResearch effects will go far beyond Shine Month, the time of the year when CARSTAR locations from across Canada spend the month of June raising valuable funds and awareness for Cystic Fibrosis Canada.  This year, CARSTAR raised thousands of dollars for research and treatment for cystic fibrosis. CARSTAR is providing air travel and accommodations for people participating in the CFIT research study at Toronto SickKids Hospital

CARSTAR has developed a special video to highlight the program and educate Canadians about the need for Cystic Fibrosis research and treatment.