Walk to make Cystic Fibrosis history

NEWS RELEASE

CYSTIC FIBROSIS CANADA

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On Sunday, May 28, Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s Sault Ste. Marie Chapter will host the Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History at the John Rhodes Track (Rocky DiPietro Field) to help raise funds for critical cystic fibrosis (CF) research and care.

“Lace up, hit the pavement, and lead the way in the fight against CF,” said Freida Labelle, Walk Coordinator. “A simple act can go a long way. By joining the walk or sponsoring a participant, together we can make strides in making CF history.”

Cystic fibrosis is the most common fatal genetic disease among Canadian children and young adults. There is no cure. In the 1960s, most Canadian children with CF did not live long enough to attend kindergarten.

Now, the median age of survival of Canadians with CF is among the highest in the world at 52.1 years. We have come a long way, but, at present there is no cure or control for cystic fibrosis and according to the most recent data of the patients who lost their battle to CF, half were under 32 years of age.

The Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History will host thousands of participants in over 65 locations across the country. The walks take place every May during Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, when Cystic Fibrosis Canada raises awareness about the disease and raises funds for vital CF research, care and advocacy initiatives.

DATE:        Sunday, May 28, 2017
TIME:        Registration starts 9:30 a.m. and event begins around 10 a.m.
LOCATION:    280 Elizabeth Street, Sault Ste. Marie – John Rhodes Track
WEBSITE:    To register and/or make a donation, please visit cysticfibrosis.ca/walk.

About Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is the most common fatal genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults. It is a multi-system disease that affects mainly the lungs and the digestive system.

In the lungs, where the effects are most devastating, a build-up of thick mucus causes severe respiratory problems. Mucus also builds up in the digestive tract, making it difficult to digest and absorb nutrients from food. As improved therapies have helped to address the malnutrition issues, ultimately most deaths related to cystic fibrosis are due to lung disease. There is no cure.

Cystic Fibrosis Canada

Cystic Fibrosis Canada is one of the world’s top three charitable organizations committed to finding a cure for cystic fibrosis and is an internationally-recognized leader in funding CF research, innovation, and clinical care. We invest more funding in life-saving CF research and care than any other non-governmental agency in Canada.

Since 1960, Cystic Fibrosis Canada has invested more than $235 million in leading research, care and advocacy, resulting in one of the world’s highest survival rates for Canadians living with cystic fibrosis. For more information, visit cysticfibrosis.ca.

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