Big Brother icon Reggie Bird has shared a heartbreaking update on her son, Lucas, who is battling cystic fibrosis.
The former reality star, known for winning season three of the show in 2003, took to Instagram to share photos of her son in hospital along with an emotional message.
“Living with Cystic Fibrosis is heartbreaking. We take each day as it comes and keep on fighting this horrible disease,” she began.
She went on to add: “Today is 65 Roses Day 🌹The 65 Roses Story. The “65 Roses” story dates back to 1965 when an observant 4-year-old, hearing the name of his disease for the first time, pronounced cystic fibrosis as “65 Roses.”
“Today, “65 Roses” is a term often used by young children with cystic fibrosis to pronounce the name of their disease.”
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time.
The life-threatening disease affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat and digestive juices causing them to become thick and sticky. They then plug up tubes, ducts and passageways.
There is currently no cure for the disease.
(Supplied/Woman’s Day)At present, there is no cure for the life-threatening disease and the life expectancy is around 37 years.
“It truly is a s–t disease. I’d give anything for him not to have it,” Reggie told Woman’s Day exclusively last year.
“He has endless medication everyday to help him digest his food and to break down the mucous that sits in his lungs. He also has physiotherapy everyday and twice a day when he gets sick.”
“There is no rest from Cystic Fibrosis – you cannot miss a day of physio or taking your tablets,” Reggie explains.
Reggie won Big Brother in 2003.
(Channel Ten)