What is 65 Roses Day?
65 Roses Day 2009, which falls on Friday 29 May, is the annual national awareness day for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) in Australia.
This special day was named after the folklore story of a little boy who could not pronounce his sister’s condition, Cystic Fibrosis, and instead called it “65 Roses”.
On 65 Roses Day, and in fact throughout all of May, the Cystic Fibrosis community, general public, national sponsor LJ Hooker and retailer BIG W will be raising much needed funds and awareness by selling 65 Roses merchandise.
You Can Help!
Purchase merchandise outright, come on board and sell our merchandise kits, donate online or hold your own 65 Roses Day fundraising event.
Raised funds go towards research projects and support services for children and young adults living with CF. Help us make CF stand for Cure Found! Find out more.
To hear about plans for 65 Roses Day 2009 as details come to hand, please join our mailing list.
Joels Story
Joel is a little boy living with Cystic Fibrosis. “Joel’s Story” shows how Cystic Fibrosis affects the lives of those living with this condition. Cystic Fibrosis is a recessive genetic condition which seriously affects breathing and digestion and ultimately shortens life itself. As yet there is no cure - but with help we hope to one day find a cure.
Why 65 Roses?
“65 Roses” comes from the folklore story of a little boy’s effort to pronounce his sister’s condition; Cystic Fibrosis. Instead he called it “65 Roses”.
The rose is the national symbol of Cystic Fibrosis. Roses are often considered the ultimate expression of natural beauty, their magnificent bloom and fragrance, juxtaposed on a thorny stem, have captured imaginations for centuries. As a living thing roses can endure harsh conditions, but flourish with care and attention.
Many parallels can be drawn between the rose and a person with CF. The condition Cystic Fibrosis imposes harsh conditions on the lives of those who suffer with it, yet there is a resilience and charm about each person as a result of their struggle and connection with the beauty of life.
For these reasons the red rose has been adopted as the national symbol for Cystic Fibrosis in Australia.
