Kaiden Ames is a typical 3 year old boy. He is happy and the picture of health. You would never guess that Kaiden has Cystic Fibrosis.
CF is the most common fatal genetic disease affecting Canadian Children. In the 1960's most children with CF didn't live long enough to attend kindergarten. Today, the average age of survival in Canada is 48, one of the highest in the world.
Kaiden's parents, Helen and Jason, didn't know they were both carriers of the CF gene. The disease leads to a build-up of thick mucus in the lungs and severe respiratory problems.
Kaiden was just over a week old when they got the shocking diagnosis.
“My first thought was that I've just been told I'm going to out-live my child.” says Kaiden’s mom, Helen Meinzinger.
Helen soon learned that much has changed thanks to research.
“For us the research is key. The more they know, the more they find out, the longer his life is going to be. The better quality of life he is going to have as well.”
Tickets are still available for a major fundraiser in Ottawa for Cystic Fibrosis research. The 65 Roses Gala is being held this Saturday at the Hampton Inn Conference Centre.
“We firmly believe there is going to be a cure in his lifetime.” Says Helen, “We just think, with the hope there is now, this won't be a lifelong disease for him.”
CTV's Natalie Pierosara will have more on this story tonight at 6.
