“No one should go into debt to stay alive.” – Why your voice matters for people with Cystic Fibrosis

Doug is 56, lives in Manitoba, and has cystic fibrosis. Six years ago, he had a double lung transplant. He’s also living with cystic fibrosis-related diabetes, which means he depends on both anti-rejection drugs and diabetes medication to survive.

But in 2018, Manitoba cut its Symptom Management Drug Program. Since then, Doug has had to pay out of pocket for the medications that keep him alive.

In just one month, Doug needed 13 refills of his medication. Costing him over $2000.00.

Doug and his wife have a mortgage and car payments – just like everyone else, they’ve got bills to pay. Some months, the costs for Doug’s prescription medications have to end up on credit cards.

“I would love to see a symptom management drug program,” Doug says. “Because no one should go into debt to stay alive.”

The cost of care shouldn’t depend on your postal code.

Doug’s story isn’t unique. In some provinces, life-changing medications like Trikafta are fully covered. In others, families pay thousands of dollars each year to access the same treatments. This fragmented system leaves many carrying not just an   emotional and physical burden but a financial one as well.

Your voice fuels change.

To manage routine CF care, people living with the disease require an array of medications – from antibiotics, enzymes, modulator therapies like Trikafta, diabetes medications, anti-rejection meds and more.  This fragmented system means that the cost to access these CF medications varies depending on a postal code.

That’s why your voice matters. When you take action, you’re telling decision-makers that no one should be left behind because of where they live or how much they make. You’re helping us fight for fair, affordable, and consistent access to life-saving medications for every person living with cystic fibrosis.

Together, we can build a future without limits.

Add your name to declare that all Canadians with CF deserve affordable access to the medications they need.