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Young Cooper Paulson is one of many others who suffer from Cystic Fibrosis. Photo submitted

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Cystic fibrosis is one of the most common fatal genetic diseases in the U.S. today.

The average life expectancy of some with Cystic fibrosis has greatly increased in the past few years with the median age of survival at around 47 years. Pam Thompson is the Development Director for the Cystic Fibrosis Association in Bismarck.

Thompson states the disease is progressive and causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breath over time.

While it may seem scary for parents, Thompson adds that there has been a lot of development in modern medicine to combat the disease.

Local parent Erin Paulson is one of the many who have the dormant gene that causes Cystic Fibrosis. A mother of five, her 5 year-old son Cooper was born with Cystic Fibrosis.

Paulson says Cooper is now thriving with help from vest treatments, nebulizers, supplemental feeds, and digestive enzymes, it takes roughly 27 pills every day for him to battle Cystic Fibrosis.

She adds any parent should seek more information from professionals and others who have dealt with the disease.

Thompson adds that what the Cystic Fibrosis Association does is help assist with the medical costs and expensive prescriptions for what can be live-saving for many.

Paulson says while it’s been difficult, she’s appreciative of the Cystic Fibrosis Association and support of many she’s met.

For further information on Cystic Fibrosis, you can visit cfand.org or call the Cystic Fibrosis Association in Bismarck at (701)-222-3998.

Listen to a full Let’s Talk About It with Pam Thompson and Erin Paulson below: