WESTON, Fla. -- Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease and until the 1980s, most deaths occurred in children and teenagers.

With advances in treatment, today people with CF are living to be more than 35 years of age.

A Weston mother, personally affected by CF, has written the first of several children's books to raise awareness about this condition.

The Orr family of Weston enjoys reading mom Leah's new book, "Kyle's First Crush."

"It's about a little boy who falls in love with this little girl who has cystic fibrosis and I'm going to follow this couple as they get older," said Leah Orr.

This mother of three wrote the book because her youngest daughter, 3-year old Ashley Elizabeth, has CF.

"Ashley has a gene that is mutated. It's on chromosome 7 and in a nutshell because chromosome 7 doesn't work, it creates mucus in her lungs. It's hard on her pancreas," said Leah Orr.

Pulmonologist Morton Schwartzman with Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital says the thick mucus can clog up the lungs and result in fatal lung infections.

The most common treatments include medication and chest therapy.

Ashley Orr takes four medicines daily she inhales through a nebulizer.

Leah Orr and her husband carry the gene for CF, which means they would have a one in four chance of having a child with CF.

Their oldest daughter Alissa is not affected. Daughter Cami is a carrier.

The Orrs feel lucky Ashley was diagnosed early.

"The studies have shown recently the earlier you treat, even before the child develops symptoms, they have a better prognosis," said Schwartzman.

Proceeds from the book, which was illustrated by Leah's mother, will go to the cystic fibrosis foundation for reasearch.

Leah plans to write a book each year until there is a cure.

"The cure's coming soon, between 7 and 10 years," said Leah Orr.

Each year, the Orr's have a walkathon to raise money for cystic fibrosis research.

The Walkathon is Sunday, May 5. If you would like to participate, call Douglas Orr Plumbing at 305-887-1687.

To order "Kyle's First Crush," click here.