Great Strides

May 9, 2009 I will be walking in the Vancouver GREAT STRIDES walk to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis. I am walking with Billy Buck's Battalion in honor of Melissa's (my sister-in-law) nephew, Billy. Billy was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis when he was 15. He is now 18, a senior in high school, and planning on going to college next year. Although I have not met Billy personally, his story, positive attitude and perseverance has inspired me. Please consider supporting me as I walk in Billy Buck's honor.

If you would like to support this great cause, click here to go to my personal fundraising website for Great Strides, or click on the Great Strides widget in the upper right corner of my blog to donate. Any donation would be greatly appreciated and will help the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation find a cure for this disease and for Billy. Thank You!



Here are some facts and information about Cystic Fibrosis: (directly from the Cystic Fibrosis website)
What Is Cystic Fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that:
-clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections; and
-obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food.

In the 1950s, few children with cystic fibrosis lived to attend elementary school. Today, advances in research and medical treatments have further enhanced and extended life for children and adults with CF. Many people with the disease can now expect to live into their 30s, 40s and beyond.

Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis

People with CF can have a variety of symptoms, including:
very salty-tasting skin;
persistent coughing, at times with phlegm;
frequent lung infections;
wheezing or shortness of breath;
poor growth/weight gain in spite of a good appetite; and
frequent greasy, bulky stools or difficulty in bowel movements.

Statistics
About 1,000 new cases of cystic fibrosis are diagnosed each year.
More than 70% of patients are diagnosed by age two.
More than 40% of the CF patient population is age 18 or older.
The predicted median age of survival for a person with CF is more than 37 years.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Since 1955, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has been the driving force behind the pursuit of a cure. Thanks to the dedication and financial backing of our supporters--patients, families and friends, clinicians, researchers, volunteers, individual donors, corporations and staff, we are making a difference.