A brave 13-year-old with cystic fibrosis has said that more people need to know about the condition that affects him and around 1200 others in Ireland.

Benat Broderick, from Sandyford, believes more public interest is needed to fully understand cystic fibrosis (CF) and find a solution for sufferers.

The young teen, who loves tennis and computers, has to stick to a strict regime which includes a lengthy list of medicines and breathing exercises to ease his symptoms.

Although, these daily treatments have greatly improved the quality of life for sufferers, the 13-year-old admits it makes him feel different to his peers.

Speaking to Dublin Live, he said: "I have to spend a lot of time doing nebulisers [a device used to deliver drugs into the lungs in a mist] and taking medication.

"I have to frequently cough and this can be quite embarrassing as people can think I have an infectious cough and I have to explain that CF is a hereditary condition and that it's not infectious."

Benat spends 30 minutes in the morning taking medication and doing exercises to open his lungs and relieve the build up of mucous the condition causes.

Cystic Fibrosis is described as a condition which clogs the lungs and can lead to life-threatening lung infections.


About 50 new cases of cystic fibrosis in Ireland are diagnosed each year and it's believed Ireland has the worst strains of the condition in the world.

We also have the highest instances of CF; three times that of the US and the rest of the European Union. Thankfully, we have a network of centres of expertise in place and dedicated multi-disciplinary teams lead by specialised CF consultants.

According to Cystic Fibrosis Ireland: "In the 1950s, few children with cystic fibrosis lived to attend primary school.

"Today, advances in research and medical treatments, including in Ireland, have further enhanced and extended life for children and adults with CF."

Benat specifically suffers from cystic fibrosis related diabetes (CFRD), which means on top of a lengthy list of medication required for his CF he also has to inject himself twice daily with insulin and regularly check his blood sugar levels.

The positive teen said he's grateful for advances in the diabetic equipment he requires: "I recently got a new device called The Freestyle Libre System.

"Instead of having to prick my finger I put a sensor onto the back of my upper arm which stays for two weeks.

"This is amazing technology, the only thing I have to do is hold the hand-held monitor against the sensor and it will give me my most current blood sugar reading. This is all pain free which makes it easier for me."

Topical new drug, Orkambi has also radically changed Benat's life and has helped him feel bright about the future for cystic fibrosis sufferers.

He said: "I’ve been taking Orkambi for just over a year now. I take two tablets twice daily and have seen a great improvement in my health within the last year.

"I have found that it has improved my day to day quality of life as well as my weight, height and lung function. I am excited for new drugs down the line and hopefully a cure, finally!"