Enhancements in treating cystic fibrosis have extended the life expectancy of many who suffer from the condition. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation says that as recently as the 1950's, people with the condition rarely lived long enough to attend school. Today, however, people can expect to live into their 40s.

Despite such great strides, more work needs to be done. The U.S. Senate recently passed the Improving Access to Clinical Trials Act, which will allow patients with rare diseases the chance to take part in clinical trials while still receiving public health care benefits.

"We are one step closer to breaking down a serious barrier to participation in clinical trials, which one day could deliver a cure for cystic fibrosis," said Cystic Fibrosis Foundation president and CEO Robert Beall. "This legislation represents an important opportunity for people with CF to take part in groundbreaking research that was previously out of their reach."

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation asserts that many people with rare diseases don't participate in clinical trials because the compensation would make them ineligible for government medical programs.

Fortunately for people with serious medical conditions, new health care rules will bar health insurance companies from denying them coverage based on a pre-existing condition.