About 30,000 children and adults in the U.S. have been affected by cystic fibrosis. Helen Brown’s grandchildren, Anna and Michael Johnson, are just two of them.

The Salisbury resident is hosting her 11th annual yard sale to benefit cystic fibrosis beginning today at noon. Today’s sale ends at 5 p.m.

The sale continues Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The yard sale is located at Brown’s home at 1621 Emerald St., Salisbury.

Cystic fibrosis is a chronic disease that is inherited and affects both the lungs and the digestive system. Brown was inspired to help cystic fibrosis research when her grandchildren were diagnosed with the disease. Throughout the years, Brown and volunteers have helped raise more than $100,000 to benefit cystic fibrosis research.

Since Brown began fundraising, technological advancements have come along that she is glad to see. One advancement, she said, is vest therapy that creates chest compressions that aid wearers to clear their airways. Patients with cystic fibrosis must clear their airways daily.

Brown’s grandchildren were diagnosed before such technology was available.

Brown said she loves and appreciates all of the support that the community has given her. She is especially thankful for all of the volunteers that help her with the yard sale. The sale occurs twice a year, in May and October. Brown and volunteers collect items for the yard sale all year. Each sale, Brown said, usually brings in between $6,000 to $9,000.

Brown will have various items at the yard sale including vintage glassware, furniture, kitchen items, TVs, seasonal decorations, Disney items, bicycles and an Xbox game console and a few games. There will also be a drawing for a Bob Timberlake print on Saturday at 3 p.m.

To accommodate the huge sale, the city has agreed to make Emerald Avenue a one-way street for the duration of the event. Emerald Avenue runs between Mahaley Avenue and Catawba Road, one block from Knox Middle School.

For more information call Brown at 704-636-5902.