Annual Bath event raises impressive amount for Cystic Fibrosis
The weather may have been grey and gloomy, but the community felt bright and shiny at the 21st Annual Walk for Cystic Fibrosis on May 25 in Bath.
The event began with a gathering at the Bath Lions Club, followed by a 1.6km parade of walkers down closed roads, escorted by the Bath Regional Fire Department. After the walk, sponsors and volunteers gathered at the Club for prizes, awards and some well-deserved eats.
The top walkers and fundraisers were presented with an award for their efforts. Team Colton Buddies, who raised $8,000, Team Jack Attack (Jillienne Denny) with $520, and Shelley Pickard with $320, were honoured for their fundraising and participation. Sponsorship awards were also given to the Kinsman and Lions Clubs, as well as Scotiabank.
“We started this 18 years ago,” said Jodi O’Neill, whose son Colton has Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Stressing the importance of community participation in finding a cure, he added. “My cousin had CF when I was younger, forty years ago, and you can see a big difference.”
Cystic Fibrosis is a rare genetic disorder that affects more than 4,000 people nationwide. There is no cure, but recently, a new medication, Trikafta, was approved and has changed many lives.
“Events like (today) help bring much needed awareness and the necessary funds to provide life changing treatments,” said team Lungs R Us member Heather Kimball, who, along with her two brothers, has CF. “Before (Trikafta) we had hours of medication. It has made life better for so many. Trikafta is the first one of its kind to deal with the underlying cause. It’s life-changing.”
Jillienne Denny, part of Team Jack, was walking for her nephew, who has CF. “It’s my ninth year,” she said. “Everybody here does it every year, it seems. It’s awesome how many people showed up.” In addition to her walk pledges, Denny held a 50/50 draw and a basket-making fair this year as part of her fundraising.
The Walk for Cystic Fibrosis was part of a coordinated effort that saw 70 people locally join over 40 communities nationwide, raising money for CF. The Bath event raised $13,224 this year, making the grand total raised over the 18 years $321,738.
CF is a genetic disorder affecting the lungs, pancreas and other organs. Those with CF can suffer from mucus buildup in the lungs that can restrict breathing and cause frequent infections and digestive issues. It can also affect male fertility and sweat glands.
