17th Annual Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History Goes Virtual, Again
Cystic Fibrosis Canada asks participants to #GoFurtherFor Canadians with cystic fibrosis
TORONTO (May 1, 2021) – With the continued risk presented by the global COVID-19 pandemic, Cystic Fibrosis Canada has once again changed its signature fundraising event, the Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History, to a virtual format. This year, Cystic Fibrosis Canada is proud to present the 2021 virtual Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History’s Further campaign.
For Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month (May), Cystic Fibrosis Canada is inviting walkers to #GoFurtherFor people living with CF. Children, parents and individuals living with CF push through unimaginable challenges every single day - they go further because they must. Participants will also push even further, challenge themselves to break records and choose their own virtual challenge; they may decide to ride a bicycle, go for a run, or even sing a song if they wish. Participants have the freedom to complete their walk, their way, on their own time from now until the end of Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month (May 30th). Walkers will set a fundraising goal, choose an activity/challenge of interest to them (with consideration of proper social distancing), and share it with their networks and ask for support via social media.
“Last year, we were blown away by the response to our virtual event format from our incredible volunteer and donor community,” says Carly Schur, Chief Development Officer for Cystic Fibrosis Canada. “With the unfortunate situation of the COVID-19 pandemic still creating risks for in-person events, we have transitioned once again to a virtual format. We are hopeful that our community of strong, passionate supporters will again come together, virtually, to raise vital funds to support our work.”
This year, Cystic Fibrosis Canada has pledged to #GoFurtherFor Canadians who live with cystic fibrosis by advocating for access to Trikafta. If made available to Canadians quickly, the innovative drug could result in extraordinary health benefits by 2030, including 15% fewer deaths, 60% fewer people living with severe lung disease and an increased estimated median age of survival for a child born with cystic fibrosis of 9.2 years. Now, more than ever, we need the community’s support to ensure Canadians living with CF get access to life-changing medications that are not yet available in Canada. Canadians with CF can’t wait – and we can’t stop now, not when half of the Canadians with cystic fibrosis who died in the past three years were under the age of 34.
For the past 16 years, the Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History, Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s largest fundraising event, has taken place in over 70 locations across Canada where thousands of people walk for a cure or control for cystic fibrosis. Since its inception in 2005, the Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History has raised over $38 million in peer-to-peer fundraising to support advocacy initiatives including access to life-changing medications, CF research, and high-quality individualized care.
Canadians interested in joining the virtual Walk to make CF History can register at: cysticfibrosis.ca/walk
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Cystic fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is the most common fatal genetic disease affecting 4,344 Canadian children and young adults. There is no cure. Of the Canadians with cystic fibrosis who died in the past three years, half were under the age of 34. Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, degenerative multi-system disease that affects mainly the lungs and digestive system. In the lungs, where the effects are most devastating, a build-up of thick mucus causes severe respiratory problems. Mucus and protein also build up in the digestive tract, making it difficult to digest and absorb nutrients from food. In addition to the physical effects of the disease, mental health concerns are emerging; anxiety and depression are common among this population. Double lung transplants are the final option for patients with end-stage disease; most fatalities of people with CF are due to lung disease.
Cystic Fibrosis Canada
Cystic Fibrosis Canada has dramatically changed the cystic fibrosis story. We have advanced research and care that has more than doubled life expectancy. Since being founded by parents in 1960, Cystic Fibrosis Canada has grown into a leading organization with a central role engaging people living with cystic fibrosis, parents and caregivers, volunteers, researchers and healthcare professionals, government and donors. We work together to change lives for the 4,344 Canadian children and adults living with cystic fibrosis through treatments, research, information and support. Despite our remarkable progress together, we are not yet done. Not when half of the Canadians with cystic fibrosis who died in the past three years were under the age of 34. We will keep pushing, keep going further until all people with cystic fibrosis can and do experience everything life has to offer —and enjoy everything life has to offer. Learn more at www.cysticfibrosis.ca
