AUCKLAND, Today: Kiwis are being urged to get moving this September and join Sweatember, the annual fundraiser helping people across Aotearoa living with cystic fibrosis (CF).
Now in its sixth year, Sweatember challenges participants to choose a sweaty activity, with donations flowing from friends, whānau and colleagues backing their efforts.
Christchurch dad, Edward Ashton is swimming 3000 laps to raise funds. His 16-month-old son Noah has CF, and the preschool teacher says it’s a challenge he’s determined to tackle.
“I did swim a little when I was younger but this will definitely be a challenge and I am a little nervous!” said Ashton.
“Cystic Fibrosis NZ has been amazing with their support. It’s very daunting to find out your child has cystic fibrosis but they’ve helped us a huge amount so this is a great opportunity to raise funds and give back.”
The Ashton family is also waiting on Pharmac’s decision around funding Trikafta for children aged 2–5, something that would change lives for families like theirs.
“Getting Trikafta from an early age would be a massive help to support Noah’s health long term, so we’re really hopeful it’ll be a positive decision.”
“Cystic Fibrosis NZ has been amazing with their support. It’s very daunting to find out your child has cystic fibrosis but they’ve helped us a huge amount so this is a great opportunity to raise funds and give back.” – Edward Ashton
Olympic trampolinist Dylan Schmidt, a CFNZ Ambassador, is backing the campaign too. “As an athlete, I know how powerful exercise can be, and for people with CF, it’s literally life-changing,” said Schmidt.
“I’ve been involved in Sweatember a few times and it’s a great way to support the CF community. I’m challenging my fellow athletes as well as everyday New Zealanders to get involved and support this great cause.”
CFNZ Chief Executive Lisa Burns is rallying Kiwis to join the movement. “Sweatember is a powerful reminder that movement is medicine. For people with CF, every breath is hard-won and exercise helps make those breaths possible. But it’s more than physical. It’s about reclaiming joy, building resilience, and feeling connected to something bigger,” said Burns.
“Sweatember is deeply personal to our community. Behind every drop of sweat is a story of parents hoping for breakthrough treatments, of children learning to live bravely, of adults fighting to maintain their physical health.
When you move during Sweatember, you’re standing with them. You’re saying, “I see you. I support you.”
“We’re aiming to raise $50,000 to fund our critical support programmes that help people with CF live longer, fuller lives. Whether you’re donating, dancing, running, or simply showing up, your sweat counts.”
CF affects more than 600 New Zealanders, causing lung infections, breathing difficulties, and other serious health challenges.
Funds raised will go towards advocacy, counselling, hospital support, transplant assistance, and research. They’ll also back Breath4CF grants, which help people with CF access exercise and activities that build lung strength.
- Want to join in? Sign up or donate at www.sweatember.org.nz and make your sweat count.
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