His baby niece, Aveline, also of Picnic Point and a CF sufferer, has been named as the public face of the Cure4 Cystic Fibrosis National Christmas Appeal.
Cystic fibrosis primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. The average life expectancy is 37 years.
In Australia, one in 2,500 babies are born with CF. On average one in 25 people carry the gene, with most unaware they are carriers. Management and treatment is life-long.
Established in 2009, Cure4CF is a registered non-profit charity with the primary goal of finding a cure.
One of James’ first moves as ambassador was to seek an audience with Prime Minister Scott Morrison to discuss the challenges and the role Cure4CF plays.
“The Prime Minister was very receptive and gave his endorsement for the leadership of Cure4CF to meet with the Minister for Health, Greg Hunt,” he said.
“In addition to meeting my niece, he got to meet the Vice Chair of Cure4CF, Lachie Monfries, who also has CF.
“He learned that my niece and Lachie cannot not be in the same room at the same time due to the serious issue of cross-infection.”
James recently held a Ladies High Tea fundraiser, attended by 180 people, and raised $17,000 and will next lead 28 runners into the Half Marathon fundraiser in May, hoping to raise a further $20,000.
“I also attended a conference in Victoria a couple of weeks ago where we announced the scientists who are the latest recipients of our funding,” he said.
“They are doing potentially life saving ‘translational’ research for cystic fibrosis.”
To help James on his mission, donate via cure4cf.org/christmas-appeal.
Tireless Cure4CF Ambassador takes cause straight to the top
DURING his time away from duties as Principal of Endeavour Sports High, Picnic Point resident James Kozlowski has been raising money for the Cure4 Cystic Fibrosis and was earlier this year named the group’s inaugural NSW Ambassador.
