Vancouver will host Great Strides as part of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s largest annual fundraising event on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 9 am at Esther Short Park. Walk day is a fun, family-oriented event with a healthy 5k walk, children’s activities, food, and festivities.
CF is a life-threatening genetic disease that affects 30,000 adults and children in the United States and 70,000 people worldwide. The disease is caused by a defective gene that makes the body produce a thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening infections. More than 10 million Americans are symptomless carriers of a defective CF gene.
Great Strides raises critical funds to support the Foundation’s mission to help people with CF live longer, healthier lives while they search for a cure. Funds raised help support much-needed CF research, education and patient care. Past funds raised through the annual event have helped spur dramatic progress in the fight against the disease. Fifty years ago, most children with CF did not live long enough to attend elementary school. Today, people with CF are living into their 30s, 40s and beyond.
“Great Strides is critical to our lifesaving efforts, and every walker who joins us makes a difference for people living with cystic fibrosis,” said Mary Pozsgai, volunteer chair for the CF Foundation’s Vancouver Great Strides. “While we have made tremendous progress in fighting this devastating disease, we know we have much further to go. We cannot rest until we have a cure. That’s why we are so grateful for our volunteers and sponsors, who are a vital part of our efforts.” Mary’s son, Matthew, was born with Cystic Fibrosis and will be walking with her team, Matt Pack. You can learn more about Mary and Matthew and/or join their team Matt Pack by visiting Mary’s Page.
For more information about Great Strides, or to make a donation, please visit Great Strides Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Local sponsors of Great Strides include the Freemasons of Southwest Washington, Riverview Community Bank and IAFF Union Firefighters.
