Volunteers, health professionals, staff and friends from all over New Zealand celebrated 50 years of CFNZ supporting people with CF and their families.
Governor General, the Rt Hon Dame Patsy Reddy, and Sir Peter Gascoigne welcomed over 100 guests to Government House in Auckland on 5 December. After a warm welcome from Dame Patsy, CFNZ President Denis Currie reflected on the past 50 years and how far the organisation has come. He also spoke about visions for the future for people with CF and the quest to find a cure.
Nichola, an adult with CF from Auckland, spoke on behalf of people with CF, touching on her life with CF and how the organisation has supported her and others in New Zealand with CF. It was inspiring to see Nichola’s son Rilley accompany her to the reception.
CFNZ Chairperson Jane Drumm read a poem and a memorial candle was lit alongside the commemorative book of the names of people in New Zealand who we’ve lost to CF.
“It was a very special evening and it was humbling to be part of such a fitting commemoration,” Jane says.
Following the formalities, guests enjoyed talking with old friends and the opportunity to connect with new people from around the country who continue to support CFNZ and the CF community.
Sincere thanks to Dame Patsy Reddy and Sir Peter Gascoigne for hosting the celebration and to everyone who joined us to mark this special occasion. We look forward to a bright future and more lives unlimited by cystic fibrosis.
To see more from the reception, visit the Governor General’s website.