The aim of this qualitative phenomenological study is to better understand the significance of a patient association for families with cystic fibrosis carriers. Interviews among 14 families living in the North and Northeast Region of Parana State, Brazil, who were registered in the Associação Paranaense de Assistência a Mucoviscidose were carried out. The results were grouped in three categories: a) Feeling supported within the world of cystic fibrosis; b) Sharing life: essential care for families with cystic fibrosis carriers; c) Sympathy, equity, and empowerment: the tripod of social organization within cystic fibrosis. This study concludes that sharing experiences among families is crucial to facing this disease and the patient association was fundamental to more amply accepting this condition and maintaining quality of life expectations.
Family; Cystic fibrosis; Social organization