Making great strides

Walk to end cystic fibrosis kicks off in Summerside

A crowd gathered at Green Shore Park in Summerside on the weekend to participate in a walk to “Make Cystic Fibrosis History.”

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease caused by abnormally thick mucus that leads to a blockage of pancreatic ducts, intestines, and lungs.

Although, presently, there is no cure – there is hope.

Sara Faithfull, the organizer of the annual cystic fibrosis Summerside walk, knows all too well the importance of supporting and advocating for high-quality care and allocating funds for this purpose on P.E.I.

“Many Canadians have been affected by this genetic disease,” she said.

“I have a brother who is 18 and lives with cystic fibrosis, and my daughter aged five. There are days that are tough – lots of medications, physios, doctor appointments, and even hospitalization,” she said.

She added, “But there are days that you would not even know that my child is sick.” The Island-wide walk events hope to raise $10,000 in funds.

Carla Murphy, Karen Rowe, and Eileen LeClair from the Kinette Club of Central P.E.I., were volunteering at the barbecue station.

Kinette Club is one of the major sponsors of the annual walk to ‘Make Cystic Fibrosis History.’

Rowe said, “The Kinette Club have been a major sponsor for many years of cystic fibrosis in Canada.

And it’s very important to raise money so people affected by the disease can have a better quality of life.”

The five kilometre walk kicked off at 11 a.m. on Summerside’s boardwalk.

DESIREE ANSTEY/ JOURNAL PIONEER Carla Murphy (left), Eileen LeClair and Karen Rowe from the Kinette Club of Central P.E.I., symbolically blow bubbles in memory of those who have lost their lives or are living with cystic fibrosis – a disease that mainly affects the lungs and...

DESIREE ANSTEY/ JOURNAL PIONEER Master of ceremonies for the second year at the cystic fibrosis event, Corilyn Azaelia said, “It’s important to raise awareness.”