Who we are
FK-ShPPSh was created from the need to give a voice to Albanian families living with Cystic Fibrosis — a rare genetic condition that affects the lungs and digestive system.
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a chronic genetic condition affecting around 100,000 people worldwide. In Albania, for many years, the condition remained little known, underdiagnosed and poorly understood. Affected families often felt alone, without support or reliable information.
FK-ShPPSh (Cystic Fibrosis — Association of Patients and Parents in Albania) was founded with one goal: no family should have to face this condition alone. From a small group of committed parents, it grew into an organisation that today supports more than 50 families and works with international partners to improve the reality of people with CF in Albania.
The journey has not been easy. There have been challenges with access to medicines, shortages of specialists, stigma and limited infrastructure. But every small step has been a victory — and every new family that joins us reminds us why we exist.
To support people with Cystic Fibrosis and their families through information, advocacy, practical assistance and a strong, supportive community. We work so that every person with CF in Albania can access early diagnosis, modern treatment and the best possible quality of life.
An Albania where Cystic Fibrosis is diagnosed early, treated to the best European standards, and where no patient is left without medicines, information or hope. We want CF to be a diagnosis, not a sentence.
We are family to one another. No one should have to face this alone.
Every donation, every decision — open and clear to our community.
We rely on science and trusted sources, not fear or misinformation.
We do not wait for change — we demand it, build it and defend it.
Our work goes beyond words. Every day, our team and volunteers work on the ground to make a tangible difference:
We help families meet the costs of treatment and medicines. We organise educational meetings with specialist doctors. We advocate with public institutions for better access to medicines and earlier diagnosis. We connect Albanian families with the international network of CF organisations, including CF Europe and ECFS. We provide emotional and practical support — because this condition affects not only the body, but the whole family.
Every act of support, every voice and every contribution matters. Together we are stronger.
