Carlow woman with CF urges locals to buy a rose for 65 Roses Day
Kelsey Nolan and her son.
A Carlow woman living with cystic fibrosis is calling on people across the county to support Cystic Fibrosis Ireland’s annual 65 Roses Day fundraiser, taking place on Friday 10 April.
Kelsey Nolan, who describes herself as a mum, partner, daughter and friend as well as a person living with CF is encouraging locals to purchase a purple rose or donate online as part of this year’s campaign, which has a national fundraising target of €300,000.
“Thankfully I am living well and long may that last,” said Ms Nolan. “But living well with CF takes an extra layer of hard work that people don’t always appreciate or see. The support from CFI is invaluable, whether that is a grant or just having someone to talk to. On 65 Roses Day, I’m calling on everyone to buy a rose, visit Dunnes Stores or donate online. Every donation goes towards supporting people with CF in Ireland.” Volunteers will be selling purple roses at a number of locations across Carlow on the day, including Dunnes Stores on Sleaty Road, Fairgreen Shopping Centre on Barrack Street, and Penneys on Kennedy Avenue.
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited condition affecting breathing, digestion and reproduction. Ireland has the highest rate of CF per capita in the world, with more than 1,400 people currently living with the condition and 33 new cases diagnosed each year. There is no cure, and CF typically becomes more complex over time, with people facing an increased risk of CF-related diabetes, osteoporosis and colorectal cancer as they age.
However, advances in multidisciplinary care and the introduction of new therapies have significantly improved life expectancy. According to the Cystic Fibrosis Registry of Ireland’s 2024 annual report, the median predicted survival age has risen to 62.6 years for the period 2020 to 2024, up from 47.2 years for the period 2012 to 2016. In 2024, 27 newborns were diagnosed with CF.
Cystic Fibrosis Ireland provides a range of supports to people living with the condition, including a dedicated information and support line, financial assistance through a number of grants, and monthly peer support groups. The organisation is also investing in research into the emerging challenges that arise as people with CF grow older.
As part of this year’s 65 Roses Week, a new exhibition entitled ‘Rewriting Tomorrow’ will open at The Copper House in Dublin city centre on Tuesday 7 April, running until Sunday 12 April. The exhibition features letters w
ritten by CF ambassadors to their future selves, imagining milestones and possibilities that once felt out of reach.
Children living with CF also participated in a workshop with cartoonist Brendan Lonergan, creating self-portraits depicting themselves both now and as they picture their future selves.
The name 65 Roses Day derives from how young children often pronounce “cystic fibrosis”. Cystic Fibrosis Ireland was founded in 1963 by parents of children with CF to advocate for improved services.
People can support the campaign by purchasing a purple rose at participating outlets or donating online at 65roses.ie.
