West Australians are being called to support people living with cystic fibrosis this Friday through Cystic Fibrosis WA's annual 65 Roses Day fundraiser.
18th Year of Campaign
The campaign, now in its 18th year in WA, raises money and awareness for people with the life-threatening genetic condition which primarily affects the lungs and other major organs.
The fundraiser began with the sale of about 2000 roses, which has risen to 25,000 in 2025. This year, CFWA hopes to reach a new milestone by selling 28,000 roses across the state.
Over 400 West Australians are currently living with the disease, which causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and other organs, often leading to infection, permanent lung damage and in some cases the need for a lung transplant.
Although advances in treatment have improved both life expectancy and quality of life for people living with CF, it still presents significant daily challenges.
New Therapies Transforming Lives
CFWA chief executive Lisa Bayakly said new-generation therapies had transformed the lives of many people living with the disease.
"Five years ago, only a few West Australians had compassionate access to new-era treatments. Now, around 80 per cent of our community are benefiting from them," Ms Bayakly said.
"The awareness, advocacy and lobbying work undertaken by CFWA has played an important role in increasing access to these treatments. The landscape is changing — and that's incredibly positive."
However, she noted that young people and adults are still juggling demanding healthcare for CF and co-existing conditions like CF-related diabetes. In addition, with improved life expectancy comes new challenges. Young people diagnosed with CF are now planning for futures once thought impossible — considering careers, superannuation, home ownership and retirement planning.
"Whilst the outlook for most people diagnosed with CF has never been better, there is still more to do and as life expectancy improves, we must adapt our services to meet these changing needs," Ms Bayakly said.
Funds Raised Provide Practical Support
"Funds raised through 65 Roses Day allow us to provide practical resources and personalised advice and care to support people through their CF journey and changing needs as they age."
Supporter WAFEX will again help supply thousands of roses for the fundraiser, with many donated to maximise the funds raised.
Ms Bayakly said every purchase would help support people navigating life with the disease.
"Every rose purchased represents hope," she said.
"When you support 65 Roses Day, you're helping people with cystic fibrosis navigate life with this complex disease — whether that's accessing treatment, planning their future, or simply knowing they're not alone. Together, Western Australians can help our CF community continue to thrive."
Personal Story of Survival
Among those sharing their story this year is Bassendean writer and librarian Sandi Parsons, who has spent decades living with cystic fibrosis and received a double lung transplant on 65 Roses Day in 2011.
"My diagnosis of cystic fibrosis in the early 70s came with an expiration date — only a 50 per cent chance that I would reach my teens. I've always viewed my expiration date as a challenge and defied all the odds to become a mother, to travel overseas, and to work in the career of my choice," she said.
"At 38, I became overly familiar with the purgatory that is the transplant waitlist. 65 Roses Day — the national fundraising and awareness day for cystic fibrosis — always meant a great deal to me, but 65 Roses Day 2011 carries an even deeper, more personal significance. It's the day a family said yes to organ donation, and I received a second chance at life."
"Now 15 years post-transplant, I can laugh without coughing, I'm an award-winning librarian, freelance writer and children's author — not half bad for the little girl given a 50 per cent chance of making it to her teens."
How to Support
People can support the fundraiser by pre-ordering bouquets through the Cystic Fibrosis WA site before Sunday, May 24, for delivery across metropolitan Perth, or purchase virtual roses through Rose Garden.
You can also purchase rose stems from volunteer-run stalls across the state on Friday, May 29.
