Cystic Fibrosis Ireland calls for increased funding for Fertility Support at the launch of 65 Roses Day

Ambassador Rosanna Davison asks for support on 65 Roses Day to help fund services for people with cystic fibrosis, including those on the parenthood pathway

At the launch of 65 Roses Day, Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI) called for increased Government funding for fertility support, assessment and treatment for people living with cystic fibrosis across the country. Ambassador Rosanna Davison announced an overall fund-raising target of €300,000 to help fund services for people with cystic fibrosis, including those on their pathway to parenthood, via the CFI Fertility Grant scheme. She asked the public to support 65 Roses Day, taking place tomorrow Friday, 12th April, by donating online at www.65roses.ie or purchasing a purple rose in Dunnes Stores and other participating outlets nationwide.

Commenting on the launch, the Interim Chief Executive Officer of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, Sarah Tecklenborg, said: “One of the lesser-known complications of CF is infertility. Navigating alternative routes to parenthood can be overwhelming and CFI provides an information service, peer support and financial assistance to our members with CF.

In 2023, we provided over €87,000 for fertility treatment to people with CF in Ireland and established a Pregnancy Support and Advocacy Group (PSAG) providing essential advocacy and emotional support to women with CF. However, the demand for services far outweighs the level of support we can provide, and we need your help on 65 Roses Day to enable us to continue to fund our fertility scheme and other supports and services for people with CF.

While the Government has now taken a positive step forward and introduced public fertility services, much greater support is required to bring us in line with our European counterparts. We would also like the scheme expanded to allow people with CF to have more than one child.”

Mum-of-three and CFI ambassador Rosanna Davison is a leading advocate for fertility issues following her own experiences. “Conceiving naturally is not always possible for people with CF and the cost of IVF and surrogacy can be, in many cases, prohibitive,” she said. “But it’s also so very important for those with CF when starting a family to connect with others on a similar journey. I was honoured to meet some of the members of the CFI PSAG group recently and see firsthand the emotional support and information sharing between the participants. I can 100% empathise with these resilient women and the difference this support makes.

I’d like to ask everyone to dig deep to support 65 Roses Day this year and donate what you can, as funds raised will help provide these supports, fund grants for people with CF and potentially help a couple start a new family.”

Billy O’Toole from Co Galway lives with cystic fibrosis and, together with his wife Niki, now has a 1-year-old daughter following treatment financially assisted by the CFI Fertility Grant. Commenting on their experience, Billy said: “I know from my own journey that it’s a very tough time for a couple. Niki and I dreamt of having children but, with CF to consider, we knew this wouldn’t be an easy path. I contacted the Member Services team at CFI and was in touch with a CF Advocate who gave us great reassurance. Once we had all the information, we applied for the grant, and everything flew along. We are over the moon to have our beautiful daughter Naoise in our life now.”

Per capita, CF affects Irish people more than any other population in the world. 65 Roses Day, which derives its name from the way young children often first say the words "Cystic Fibrosis", takes place on Friday 12th April, and CFI volunteers will be out in force selling purple roses in Dunnes Stores and other participating outlets nationwide. You can show your support by purchasing a rose or donating online at www.65roses.ie. CFI does not receive State funding and relies on donations from the public to continue supporting people with CF in Ireland.