Amos VanderStelt has cystic fibrosis (CF), a rare chronic genetic illness that affects many parts of the body. It operates like this: A defective protein caused by the cystic fibrosis mutation interrupts the flow of salt in an out of cells, causing the mucus that's naturally present in health people to become dehydrated, thick and viscous. This sticky mucus builds up in the lungs, pancreas, and other organs, causing problems with the respiratory, digestive, reproductive, endocrine, and other systems. In the lungs, the mucus creates a warm and welcoming environment for deadly bacteria. For this reason, avoiding germs is a top concern for people with CF and we ask that you help us keep our home free from germs as much as possible. If you would like to visit, we ask that you are 100% healthy (no sniffles, light cough, etc.) and we will have a thermometer to take your temperature at the door. If you will be around our other kids, we ask that you ensure you are healthy as well. If you'd like to learn more about CF, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has a wealth of information. Some great articles include: -Intro to CF: https://www.cff.org/intro-cf -Educating Others About CF to Protect Our Daughter: https://www.cff.org/community-posts/2022-01/educating-others-about-cf-protect-our-daughter -5 Requests for My Friends and Family This Flu Season: https://www.cff.org/community-posts/2018-10/5-requests-my-friends-and-family-flu-season -9 Ways to Support a Family With a Child with CF: https://www.cff.org/community-posts/2022-03/9-ways-support-family-child-cf In addition to the CF diagnosis, Amos has cleft lip and palate which will lead to surgeries, more doctor's appointments, and extra special attention. We appreciate your desire to help our family during this time.