Morning tea for Cystic Fibrosis Queensland 65 Roses Month of May

Chair and Directors of the Cystic Fibrosis Queensland Board; Distinguished Guests, Supporters, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. Kaye and I are delighted to welcome you all to Government House today.

The term, 65 Roses, had its beginnings in a childish mispronunciation of a disease that is anything but innocent. 

Cystic Fibrosis is a cruel, life-limiting diagnosis that devastates a family every four days.

Now, I’m not generally a person who recites self-help mantras or inspirational quotes.

But one saying did catch my eye recently and that was this one:

When ‘I’ is replaced by ‘We’, even ‘Illness’ becomes ‘Wellness’.

And, when I saw that, I thought of an organisation like Cystic Fibrosis Queensland.

I thought of how, in times of distress, in times of struggle, nothing helps more than having a community of supporters in your corner.

And that is what CFQ is.

It’s not just a charity, or a vital source of information.

It’s a cheer squad, a warm hug. It’s an extension of family.

And that’s why ‘65 Roses’ is not simply a fundraiser.

It is also a chance to share stories, to spread awareness, to stand together and fight for the people we love and care about.

And it is working – let’s not forget that.

Today, people with CF are living longer and living better than ever before.

Clinical trials are advancing, as is a commitment to research, treatment options and, ultimately, finding a cure.

As this awareness grows, so too does the number of people receiving support from the staff, volunteers and community of Cystic Fibrosis Queensland.

As your Patron, I am so proud that one third of CF sufferers in Australia seek the help of CFQ.

What a strong force for change this organisation is.

From a simple support system established for children and families, CFQ has risen to the challenge of also providing services to adults living with CF, to raise awareness of the disease and to advocate on behalf of sufferers.

This May, Kaye and I will be urging all Queenslanders to make their own contribution to fight against this disease, and to show their support for those who must live with it.

Thank you so much for joining us this morning.

Here’s to a month ahead filled with activity, community and, best of all, hope. 

Thank you.