Jason van't Slot is an extreme cyclist, public speaker and s

• Author: Karen Watkins karen.watkins@inl.co.za
• Published date: 27 May 2022
• Publication title: Sentinel News

On Saturday May 14, the 26-year-old completed an Everesting challenge − cycling an elevation equal to the height of Mount Everest (8848m) in 16 hours 12 minutes

This achievement during Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month set a new cystic fibrosis world record and also raised R51 000 to help bring lifesaving medication to South Africa for those with the illness.

While there is no cure for cystic fibrosis and many of those who have it die in their 20s and 30s from lung failure, according to the South African Cystic Fibrosis Association, a new drug, which is known as Trikafta in America and Kaftrio in Europe, genetically modulates and corrects the defective protein behind cystic fibrosis, restoring lung function, reducing symptoms and extending lifespan.

“The cystic fibrosis community didn’t know if a medication for this chronic lung condition would be available in our lifetimes. Now it is, but due to our geographic location and the medication’s financial cost it’s impossible for most of us to get,” says Jason.

Presently only 12% of those with cystic fibrosis around the world have access to the drug which has only been around for about four years, he says.

Margy Gibbons, a social worker at the cystic fibrosis clinic at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, has over 20 years experience working with people living...