Taking Great Strides to Cure Cystic Fibrosis
As a child what if your only wish as a child was to run and play like all of your friends. If only your lungs could get enough air. Sounds like easy tasks for most children, but not for a child with cystic fibrosis.
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease affecting approximately 30,000 children and adults in the United States, 39 of those reside in Brevard County. CF causes the body to produce an abnormally thick, sticky mucus, which clogs the airways and leads to life-threatening lung infections. The thick CF mucus also obstructs the pancreas, preventing enzymes from reaching the intestines to break down and digest food.
When the CF Foundation began in 1955, few children with CF lived to attend elementary school. Today, because of CF Foundation supported research, the median age of survival is early 30’s. Still, only 50% of those with CF reach their 30’s. In order to help save these precious lives, the CF Foundation needs to continue to raise monies to fund the vital life saving research that is available, research that will one day lead to a cure.
The Space Coast Office of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation hosts a variety of special events throughout the year. “Our exciting family event for 2005 is Great Strides: A Walk For a Cure”, says Dana C. Kelley Ashley, executive director. “It’s fun for the everyone!” Great Strides is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s largest national fundraiser, with almost $24 million raised in 2004. Locally, family members, schools, groups and businesses can form teams of walkers. Walkers raise money through sponsors, donations, or any creative idea they come up with. All monies raised are turned in on walk day, scheduled for Saturday, May 21, 2005 at Wickham Park in Melbourne. Registration starts at 8:00 a.m. and the walk begins at 9:00 a.m. There is food, fun, prizes and activities for all. And every walker who raises $100 will receive a “TEAM CF” t-shirt.
There are also other exciting events for 2005. A singles gala/auction, a wine and food tasting, golf tournaments, a casino night and fishing tournament. If you would like to get involved, attend an event or sponsor an event, please call the Space Coast office at (321) 255-5010.
The CF Foundation has consistently been recognized as one of the top health organizations in the country at efficiently using the funds raised to invest in research and care. According to Smart Money, the magazine of The Wall Street Journal, the CF Foundation is one of the top 10 charities you can trust. Approximately 91 cents of every dollar raised goes toward research and care.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s mission is to assure the development of the means to cure and control cystic fibrosis and to improve the quality of life for those with the disease. We need your help to raise awareness in our community and nationwide about cystic fibrosis and the ways everyone can help to find a cure.
Upcoming Events
April 8, 2005
The Single Greatest Night – Featuring the Space Coast’s Finest at Hilton Rialto Place, Melbourne.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will honor the Space Coast’s most outstanding single men and women who have exemplified leadership qualities. This exciting evening will include dinner, awards, dancing a silent auction and a bachelor/bachelorette auction.
May 21, 2005
GREAT STRIDES: Taking Steps to Cure Cystic Fibrosis
Walks in Daytona, Melbourne and Vero Beach. For more information or to register for a GREAT STRIDES walk site, please visit www.cff.org/great_strides
Visit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s site at www.cff.org/Chapters/spacecoast/