“That’s where our journey with cystic fibrosis began,” said Chris Bushell, Zack’s father. For Zack, being diagnosed with cystic fibrosis meant two decades of respiratory infections, hospital visits, and at one point, a lung capacity of 40 per cent. That was until the family discovered Trikafta. “Zach was born in the U.S. and this new miracle drug has been available in the U.S. for nearly two years,” Chris told CTV News Edmonton. “We were able to get it for him, and within three weeks (of use) his lung function improved by 70 per cent.” Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that affects protein development in human cells. It can affect the respiratory system, digestive and reproductive tract. Ultimately, it can make an impact on life expectancy and overall quality of life.