Wilson County mayor proclaims May Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month; courthouse to glow purple

Wilson County Mayor Randall Hu signed a proclamation declaring May Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month and the county courthouse will glow purple each night in honor of people with cystic fibrosis and their families.

The proclamation and a statement from Cure for Our Friends, a volunteer nonprofit, aim to raise awareness and encourage community support for families affected by the disease. "We're here to have the courthouse lit purple in honor of Cystic Fibrosis," the Cure for Our Friends representative said, adding the lights are meant to prompt residents to reach out and learn about the organization.

Cure for Our Friends described itself as a 100% volunteer organization based in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, that raises funds and awareness for cystic fibrosis families statewide through charity events, volunteer coordination and donations. The speaker said the group tries to help any cystic fibrosis family in Tennessee with an eligible need when funds are available.

The representative provided a brief description of the disease, saying cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic condition that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States. A defective gene causes thick mucus to form, which can obstruct lungs and lead to life-threatening infections and can also block the pancreas from properly aiding digestion.

Organizers encouraged residents to call the mayor's office to learn more about the proclamation and the nonprofit's work. No events, funding amounts or additional actions were specified in the remarks.