Sarah Hamilton, associate executive director of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Iowa chapter, says one of her biggest challenges is increasing public understanding of the disease her organization is fighting. She says people are not as aware of cystic fibrosis as they are of ailments like cancer and diabetes, “but CF is the No. 1 genetic killer in the United States.”

“Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease affecting approximately 30,000 children and adults in the United States,” according to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Web site at www.cff.org. “A defective gene causes the body to produce an abnormally thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections. These thick secretions also obstruct the pancreas, preventing digestive enzymes from reaching the intestines to help break down and absorb food.”

Hamilton says ideally the foundation will find a cure and go out of business, but the more immediate goals are to inform the public, and help the life spans of individuals with CF continue to grow.

“In the last 10 years, the life [expectancy for people with CF] has increased from early 20s to mid-30s,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton grew up in Johnston, and attended Drake University, where she received a degree in anthropology and sociology in 2001. While attending the school, Hamilton was an intern for Children and Families of Iowa and an event planner through Drake’s cultural studies department. Her first job after graduating was with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation as director of special events.

“My mom’s college roommate had cystic fibrosis, and the job was the perfect combination of social work and event planning,” Hamilton said. “I was planning events for a good cause.”

In July, she was promoted to her current position. The Iowa CFF chapter raises money to support care centers at Blank Children’s Hospital and the McFarland Clinic in Ames, and a research center and care center at the University of Iowa.

“The toughest part is dealing with the losses of our families,” Hamilton said. “You get so attached to them that when you lose someone to the disease, it’s really hard. But it also reminds you why you need to stay passionate to the cause.”