The 4th annual Great Strides for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) walk is taking place on
Sunday, September 20, 2015 at Vincennes University’s track in hopes
of raising money for CF research and awareness for Cystic Fibrosis. Registration
begins at 12:30 p.m. (ET) and the opening ceremony starts at 1:30 p.m.
Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening, genetic disease that causes persistent
lung infections and progressively limits the ability to breathe. In people
with CF, a defective gene causes a thick buildup of mucus in the lungs,
pancreas and other organs.
In the lungs, the mucus clogs the airways and traps bacteria leading to
infections, extensive lung damage and eventually respiratory failure.
In the pancreas, the mucus prevents the release of digestive enzymes that
allow the body to break down food and absorb vital nutrients.
Donations have helped researches find a major breakthrough in Cystic Fibrosis
by introducing a new drug, Orkambi. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
approved the first drug for CF, directed at treating the cause of the
disease in people who have two copies of a specific mutation.
Orkambi is now approved to treat CF in patients 12 years and older, who
have the F508del mutation, which causes the production of an abnormal
protein that disrupts how water and chloride are transported in the body.
Having two copies of this mutation (one inherited from each parent) is
the leading cause of CF.
“When you make an investment in Cystic Fibrosis research, you invest
in the lives of those who have the disease. When we work together to raise
funds and awareness, we give these children and young adults with CF the
quality of life and future that they deserve,” stated Tammy Howell,
Good Samaritan Respiratory Therapist and Event Chair.
Sandwiches, chips, cookies and drinks will be provided for walkers, and
a silent auction, with approximately 80 to 100 items from local businesses
and organizations, will be held. Each person who collects $100.00 will
earn an official Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides t-shirt. Additional prizes
will be available and everyone is guaranteed to have a good time.
Please call Tammy Howell at 812-885-3215 for more details and information
about how you can be involved. To make a donation, join a team, create
a team or sign up as an individual walker, go online to
www.fightcf.cff.org.