The 8^th annual Great Strides for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) walk is taking place on Sunday, September 15, at Vincennes University’s track, rain or shine, in hopes of raising money for research and awareness for Cystic Fibrosis. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. (EST) and the opening ceremony starts at 1:30 p.m. There are 10 teams, representing three states and several counties, registered so far for this year’s walk with the goal to raise $60,000.

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.

Last year was not only a successful fundraising year for the Vincennes Great Strides walk, but a successful year for CF medicine and research. According to Vertex, a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accepted its New Drug Application (NDA) for the VX-445 (elexacaftor), tezacaftor and ivacaftor triple combination regimen. In two global studies, people with cystic fibrosis showed statistically significant improvements in lung function using the new medications.

"If approved, the VX-445 (elexacaftor), tezacaftor and ivacaftor triple combination regimen would be a significant advance in CF treatment as the first CFTR modulator for those with one F508del mutation and one minimal function mutation, and bring additional benefit to patients with two F508del mutations,” said Reshma Kewalramani, M.D., Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Vertex. "Our goal is to provide medicines that treat the underlying cause of CF to the vast majority of people with CF. We share a sense of urgency with people with CF, caregivers and clinicians to rapidly deliver innovative CF medicines to those waiting, and we look forward to working with the agency as they review the application over the course of the coming months.”

Research and clinical trials have continued in 2019 demonstrating positive results for those with CF. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation maintains a strong group of potential therapies that target the disease from every angle. The more support given to the Foundation increases the odds of producing successful therapies and a cure for all people with CF.

“The CF Foundation is leading the way in innovative research and drug development, promoting high-quality, individualized care, and helping people with CF live better today,” stated Tammy Howell, Good Samaritan Respiratory Therapist and Event Chair. “Nearly every CF drug was made possible by the Foundation and because of funds raised from Great Strides, people with CF are living longer, healthier lives and pursuing their dreams.”

Please call Tammy Howell at 812-885-3215 or 812-899-2146 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, click HERE.