The Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History takes place at Kivi Park on May 28.
The fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis Canada goes to world-class research and to advocate and support high-quality individualized CF care.
In Canada, it is estimated that one in every 3,600 children born has CF, a disease that has various effects on the body, but mainly on the digestive system and lungs. Currently, there is no cure.
This is the reality for more than 4,100 Canadians who attend specialized CF clinics, including Janessa Filion of Sudbury.
“These local fundraising efforts will benefit my family and provide funds for research and care to others who live with CF across Canada,” said Janessa's mom, Megan Filion.
“Hopefully one day we will find a cure so my daughter and others affected can live a long and healthy life with less worry.”
Janessa is 15 and follows a strict daily routine in order to stay healthy. To keep her lungs clear, airway clearance techniques are administered a few times a day for 20 to 30 minutes at a time.
Janessa must take many medications to ensure her digestive system remains healthy, too. The teen is in Grade 9 and fortunately is able to attend high school. She visits the CF clinic at Health Sciences North every three months.
The walk takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 28. Participants will enjoy full use of Kivi Park, although the 3.5-kilometre green trail, also known as the Wishing Tree Trail, will be dedicated to the walk.
Registration is at 10 a.m. and the walk begins at 11 a.m. Food and entertainment will follow. To register, visit cysticfibrosis.ca/walk.
