A rose bought today could keep the doctor away for hundreds of WA children and families just like William O’Connoll.

At just two years old, William has already endured three gruelling hospital stays, involving multiple bronchoscopies and five rounds of general anaesthetics.

But every day before his midday nap, he sits patiently for a gruelling but vital ritual with his mother, Ash O’Connoll, to clear his lungs.

“I give him percussion physio on three areas of his chest, for about 15 minutes, and he falls asleep,” Ash said. “It is where I am banging on his chest, physically try to move the mucus around.”

William was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis shortly after birth, thrusting his family into a world of constant medical vigilance.

The rare, recessive genetic condition affects every organ in the body, particularly the lungs, causing a build-up of thick, sticky mucus that leads to permanent damage and, in severe cases, the need for a lung transplant.

But a medical breakthrough in August last year completely transformed William’s quality of life.

After being prescribed the cutting-edge modulator drug Trikafta, his health turned around almost instantly.

“In winter last year we were in and out of hospital, on and off antibiotics, William was sick for about three months,” Ash said.

“We had a hospital admission in July; we were in Broome and had to get flown down so he could be admitted for two weeks for antibiotics.

“After that we started Trikafta and since then — from August last year — he has only had two lots of oral antibiotics in nine months and no admissions. He is happy, healthy and growing.”

More than 400 WA children and adults live with cystic fibrosis just like young William.

Cystic Fibrosis WA’s chief executive Lisa Bayakly said decades of research were finally delivering “truly life-changing” therapies.

“Five years ago, only a few West Australians had compassionate access to new‑era treatments. Now, around 80 per cent of our community is benefiting from them,” Ms Bayakly said. “The landscape is changing — and that’s incredibly positive.”

Ms Bayakly said while the outlook had never been better, patients were still juggling demanding healthcare regimes alongside emerging, complex complications like cystic fibrosis-related diabetes.

“There is still more to do, and as life expectancy improves, we must adapt our services to meet these changing needs,” she said.

On Friday you can support those families for Cystic Fibrosis through WA’s annual 65 Roses Day.

The event has come a long way since its inception 18 years ago, when just 2000 roses were sold.

Last year, West Aussies bought a staggering 26,000 blooms, and organisers are aiming to sell 28,000 this Friday.

“Funds raised through 65 Roses Day allow us to provide practical resources and personalised advice and care to support people through their CF journey and changing needs as they age,” Ms Bayakly said.

“Every rose purchased represents hope. When you support 65 Roses Day, you’re helping people with cystic fibrosis navigate life with this complex disease — whether that’s accessing treatment, planning their future, or simply knowing they’re not alone. Together, Western Australians can help our CF community continue to thrive.”

To purchase a bouquet, posy or virtual rose, or to find a stall near you, visit the official 65 Roses Day website.