19th Annual Walk To Make Cystic Fibrosis History set to raise funds and awareness of cystic fibrosis at more than 50 events across Canada
Toronto, ONTARIO (May 1, 2023) – Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s signature event, the Walk To Make Cystic Fibrosis History, happens on Sunday, May 28 at more than 50 locations across the country. Whether participants choose to walk, run or roll at their nearest community event or support the event online, Cystic Fibrosis Canada is calling on the power of the cystic fibrosis (CF) community to make this a memorable event and generate critical funds for CF research and support so that no one with CF is left behind.
“We are so proud of our dynamic cystic fibrosis community for the excitement they generate among their friends and family for this event,” says Carly Schur, Chief Development Officer, Cystic Fibrosis Canada. “In spite of the heavy daily burden facing families who are affected by CF, they and the people who support them go above and beyond to invest in the work we do. They know how vital it is to help every single Canadian with cystic fibrosis by funding CF research, advocacy, information and care.”
Every year during May’s Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, Cystic Fibrosis Canada holds Canada’s largest national fundraising event, the Walk To Make Cystic Fibrosis History, in support of Canadians affected by CF. The Walk is an opportunity for families, friends, individuals and teams to go #FurtherForAll and help change the lives of people living with cystic fibrosis and honour those who’ve lost their lives because of this disease. The Walk is a volunteer-driven event and would not be possible without the support of hundreds of volunteers across the country .
Last year, Cystic Fibrosis Canada, together with the CF community, successfully advocated for access to life-changing drugs for those who are age 6 to 11, which helped so many youngsters with CF breathe easier and slow the damage to their lungs. There are too many, however, for whom the latest drugs and treatment do not work and Cystic Fibrosis Canada refuses to leave them behind.
Hence, this year marks the launch of a new research approach 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 18 years, thousands of Canadians 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 $42 million to support increased access to life-changing medications, CF research and high-quality individualized health care.
Canadians interested in joining their local Walk or the virtual Walk can register at: walk.cysticfibrosis.ca
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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 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. 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:
Nicole Young, Director, Marketing and Communications
Tel: 905-317-5529
Email: nyoung@cysticfibrosis.ca
