Empowering Global Teams to Transform CF Care.
The International Cystic Fibrosis Training Network (ICFTN) and the Dream a Little Dream Foundation (DALD) share one mission: improving cystic fibrosis care for underserved communities around the world. ICFTN serves as the global clinical and educational engine — training multidisciplinary CF teams, providing mentorship, and implementing quality improvement tools in low- and middle-income countries. DALD is the independent nonprofit organization that powers and scales that work, providing the funding, infrastructure, and partnerships needed to bring sustainable CF care to those who need it most.
DALD FoundationCommitted to Excellence, Focused on Outcomes.
Over the last decade, our team has partnered with international clinicians to implement sustainable, data-driven care models. By sharing our expertise in quality improvement, we help resource-limited regions achieve world-class results.
Our Story: Excellence in care, beyond borders.
Our Team
A veteran U.S. clinical team empowering international providers to transform global CF care and patient outcomes through expert coaching.
Dr. Hector Gutierrez, MD
Associate Director, UAB Pediatric CF Center
Chief Medical Officer, DALD
“The experience of learning to work as a team is part of my professional trajectory. I think it was an awakening… as if I woke up… to work with other professionals who provide safety and confidentiality. They gave me the tools that have allowed me to feel strong to handle what the family has given us. I continue to work with the Alabama Children’s team, I know that I also have the support of the team in my professional challenges.”
Improving the lives of people with CF in every aspect of training.
What services do you provide?
We provide a program to train selected multidisciplinary cystic fibrosis care teams in low- and middle-income countries to work more effectively using evidence-based guidelines and to collect and use data to implement quality improvement projects.
How is ICFTN funded?
The sole source of funds for implementing ICFTN programs is grants.
Who are your partner teams?
Our group has trained additional teams to implement the ICFTN train-the-trainer methodology. Partner teams from the United States include CF teams from Baylor, Columbia, Harvard, and Stanford. We also have LMIC trainers in Argentina.
Which regions do you serve?
The ICFTN team primarily serves the regions in South America. Our US partner teams work in Mexico, Ecuador, Jordan, Peru, India, and Sri Lanka.
How do you assist teams in using data for improvement?
We provide a secure, low-cost, easy-to-use data registry solution known as the ICFTN Registry. Centers can use their data for patient management, center improvements, and to better understand regional trends.
What is the train-the-trainer approach?
The train-the-trainer approach is a capacity-building approach in which selected healthcare professional teams are trained and transformed into high-functioning teams, then become trainers of peers.
How can I participate in the ICFTN Registry?
There are specific steps to join the ICFTN Registry: first, obtaining consent from your local governing bodies or administrators; and second, obtaining patient consent. After those two steps are completed, we can set up training and then access to your specific site. Email us for more information.