Paige Thompson, 9, was diagnosed with the chronic illness at birth.

Cystic fibrosis primarily affects the lungs and digestive system because of a malfunction in the exocrine system.

There is no cure. However, Paige and her family want to help change that.

Mum Maree Thompson said managing Paige’s cystic fibrosis included daily physiotherapy and regular trips to the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.

“She has to do physio when she gets out of bed, and again when she comes home from school. It’s her daily routine,” she said.

“She also has to take pancreatic enzymes when she eats to break down her food.

“She has three-monthly tune-ups in Melbourne at the moment.

“We stay in Melbourne for a couple of days and then do a hospital in the home program. We do physio via videolink with people in Melbourne, and Horsham physios help too.

“After a fortnight of the tune-up we go back to physio in the morning and after school, plus a few extra nebulisers.”

Mrs Thompson said new physiotherapy techniques were a positive step to helping people with the illness.

“The more money we raise, though it might not go to an instant cure, it will make things easier for people with cystic fibrosis,” she said.

“There are also new drugs that help certain strains of cystic fibrosis.

“Unfortunately Paige’s strain is not one of them at this stage, but hopefully it means researchers are one step closer to finding a cure.”

Mrs Thompson works at Horsham Amcal, where the family has set up a banner with information about Paige and cystic fibrosis. 

“Amcal has been fantastic and come on board to help us raise awareness and money to find a cure,” she said.

“Next week is 65 Roses Day, the national fundraising campaign for cystic fibrosis, and Thursday is also Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea for the Cancer Council.

“We thought we’d combine the two on Monday and host a morning tea fundraiser. 

“Anyone can pop in from about 10am, and also make donations throughout the week.

“We’ll also have a box of merchandise including pens, badges, balls and headphones that people can buy.”