18th Annual Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History Returns as an in-Person and Virtual Event
TORONTO, May 2, 2022 – For the first time in two years, Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s signature event, the Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History, will return to an in-person format on May 29, while also offering a virtual option. No matter how participants choose to walk, Cystic Fibrosis Canada is calling on the power of the cystic fibrosis (CF) community to make this the best event yet.
Participants can register online and choose to attend their local Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History event in person or virtually, from more than 70+ locations across Canada. Walkers choose a distance to walk (or run!) throughout the month of May that pushes them to go further than they have before. On Sunday, May 29, participants can cross the finish line alongside fellow walkers on Walk Day, in person, or complete their walk virtually and share in the celebration on social media following the hashtags #FurtherTogether or #FurtherForCF.
“We are thrilled to be back in person for the Walk this year,” said Carly Schur, Chief Development Officer, Cystic Fibrosis Canada. “We have missed the buzz of Walk Day: the smiling faces, families, flags and banners. This community has gone above and beyond to support the virtual Walk the last two years. We now look forward to seeing the power of the CF community unite in person on May 29th to raise funds to support Canadian cystic fibrosis research, advocacy, care and information and support.”
Every year during Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month (May), Cystic Fibrosis Canada holds Canada’s largest national fundraising event, the Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History, in support of people impacted by CF. People who live with cystic fibrosis push through unimaginable challenges, but they push through it because they must. The Walk is an opportunity for families, friends, individuals and teams to go #FurtherTogether and help change the lives of people living with cystic fibrosis and celebrate the memories of those who lost their lives too young because of this disease. The Walk is a volunteer driven event and would not be possible without the support of the incredible volunteers and corporate partners including National Presenting Sponsor Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc.
This year, Cystic Fibrosis Canada will go #FurtherTogether for Canadians who live with cystic fibrosis by advocating for access to the life changing drug Trikafta for those who are age 6 to 11. Last year, Cystic Fibrosis Canada advocated for access to the drug for Canadians 12+ and in less than six months after draft recommendations from drug review bodies, every Canadian province and territory committed to fund Trikafta. Cystic Fibrosis Canada will also launch a new research strategy with a focus on funding research projects that will benefit patients sooner rather than later, particularly for people who currently have limited treatment options.
For the past 17 years, thousands of people have joined the Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History to change the cystic fibrosis story. Since its inception in 2005, the Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History has raised over $40 million to support advocacy initiatives including access to life-changing medications, CF research and high-quality individualized care.
Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s standard infection prevention protocols will be in place in addition to local COVID protocols.
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 4,300 Canadian children and young adults. There is no cure. Of the Canadians with cystic fibrosis who died in the past five years, half were under the age of 37. 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 more than 4,300 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 five years were under the age of 37. We will keep pushing, keep going further until all people with cystic fibrosis can and do experience – and enjoy - everything life has to offer. Learn more at www.cysticfibrosis.ca
For more information, please contact:
Magdelena Oskam, Coordinator, Marketing and Communications
Cystic Fibrosis Canada
Tel: 1-800-378-2233 ext. 290
Email: moskam@cysticfibrosis.ca
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