great strides

Last week I volunteered to document Great Strides – a charity walk meant to raise funds and awareness for the battle against Cystic Fibrosis. I went to the event knowing very little about Cystic Fibrosis but the event certainly had its intended effect on me . . . I now know that Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide).

In the 1950s, few children with cystic fibrosis lived to attend elementary school. Today, advances in research and medical treatments have further enhanced and extended life for children and adults with CF. Many people with the disease can now expect to live into their 30s, 40s and beyond. Sure, that’s a great improvement but there’s still a long way to go.

Some of the people at the event were telling me of some pretty major advancements in the treatment of Cystic Fibrosis. In fact, some of the testing is occurring right here in Orlando! I met a lot of great people at the Great Strides event and learned about a great cause in the process. Click here to learn more about the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and what they’re doing to cure CF!

I think I was most impacted by the incredible kids at this event – unless somebody were to tell you a child was affected with Cystic Fibrosis you would likely have no idea. They’re normal, happy little kids!

It was a great event and I really look forward to working with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation again in the future!  Here are a couple more of the characters from last weekend’s event . . .

~ by BF on April 21, 2007.