We found out about Zoey’s CF genes from her newborn screening at the hospital. After additional testing she was diagnosed with CF, having one of the most common CF gene mutations (DeltaF508) in combination with a rarer, less-severe CF gene mutation. There are more than 1,700 known mutations of CF.

​

We are grateful for the gene combination Zoey has because:​

• The rare, less-severe mutation makes it so that Zoey is pancreatic sufficient (her pancreas works as it should) and she does not need to take enzymes when she eats.

• But her more common, more severe mutation makes her eligible for highly effective medications. She takes her CF medicine each morning and night.

 

She also has vest and nebulizer therapies to use when she is sick and needs some support to clear out her lungs/system.

​

Zoey is doing great, we are extremely lucky to have the help, healthcare and support we need to keep her healthy and happy. We love the doctors we’ve seen both at Children’s and at the University of Minnesota, and we are very optimistic about her future.