MEDIA RELEASE
October 2014
Bubbles Week 13-19 October 2014
It’s fun, it’s healthy, and it’s for a good cause. Bubbles Week from 13 to 19 October is New Zealand’s national
awareness week for Cystic Fibrosis and will see thousands of Kiwis helping to raise money for those living with the
condition.
Cystic Fibrosis affects more than 500 New Zealanders, including about 60 in the Wellington region. It’s the most common
life-threatening genetic disorder affecting Kiwi kids. One in every 3000 babies is born with CF.
The condition affects several organs, especially the lungs and pancreas, by clogging them with thick, sticky mucus. It
can cause a chronic cough, digestive problems and repeated chest infections. The average life expectancy for those with
Cystic Fibrosis is significantly lower than the general population. Ultimately, lung transplantation is often the only
option as CF worsens.
Nicole Doriguzzi volunteers as the Chairperson of Cystic Fibrosis Wellington and was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis when
she was just 3 days old. Nicole has been hospitalised for intravenous antibiotics 3 times in the last year alone for
chest infections. Nicole says “being admitted to hospital for intravenous antibiotics can be really hard. It is painful
and it affects your ability to work, relationships and your general mental well being”.
Despite daily medications and physiotherapy Nicole tries to live a normal life; she works part time as an Administrator
and volunteers as the Chairperson of Cystic Fibrosis Wellington, as an animal fosterer for the SPCA and she takes
shelter puppies weekly to visit the elderly residents at Te Hopai rest home. Nicole says “I don’t want to let Cystic
Fibrosis stop me from enjoying my life. Sometimes it can be really hard living with a terminal illness but I try and
stay positive and follow my passion for animals and helping others”.
In 2013 Nicole won the Community Trust Young Leader Award and in March this year she won a Young Achiever Award for her
volunteer work with Cystic Fibrosis Wellington, the SPCA and the elderly; both were presented by the Governor General.
Several events are being held around Wellington to mark Bubbles Week. The main collection day will be on Friday 17
October when collectors will be at the following sites:
• New World Willis Street
• New World Thorndon
• Cuba Street
• The Railway Station
• Coastlands Mall (Kapiti Coast)
There will also be a stand at Sunday City Market, collectors at Wellington Airport on Thursday 16 October and a BBQ at
the Mad Butcher Porirua on Saturday 18 October.
Donations will go towards improving the lives of patients, many of whom are often hospitalised and have to take hundreds
of pills each week to manage their condition, and purchasing vital medical equipment that is not currently funded for
Cystic Fibrosis. Donations can also be made at www.cfnz.org.nz.