Great Strides in St. Charles to fight cystic fibrosis

The Illinois Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will hold its Fox Valley Great Strides walk at Pottawatomie Park in St. Charles. It is one of 650 walk sites across the United States. The three-mile walk along the Fox River will gather in historic downtown St. Charles on Sunday, May 20.

Great Strides, now in its 23rd year, raises funds for lifesaving research, education and care programs for cystic fibrosis, a fatal genetic disease. Funds raised through Great Strides have helped spur dramatic advances in cystic fibrosis research and care. Fifty years ago, most children with CF did not live long enough to attend elementary school. Today, the median predicted age of survival is more than 37 years old.

Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening genetic disease that affects 30,000 adults and children in the United States and 70,000 people worldwide. It causes debilitating lung infections that lead to premature death. More than 10 million Americans are symptomless carriers of the CF gene.

"I loved speaking to everyone at the Great Strides walk in years past and I am happy to do it again this year," said 12-year-old Katie Teske, resident of North Aurora who was diagnosed with CF just days after her birth. "Meeting new people and volunteering at the snack booth is right up my alley. I love talking to people."

In 2011, the Fox Valley Great Strides walk raised $47,000 and rallied more than 300 supporters. The goal for all 650 walk sites in 2012 is $40 million, with the Fox Valley walk on pace to raise $50,000. Activities at the 2012 walk include a raffle (with proceeds to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation) and a visit by Ozzie from the Kane County Cougars.

To get involved in the Fox Valley Great Strides walk or to donate to help find a cure, visit greatstrides.cff.org.

For information, contact Amanda Zar at (312) 236-4491, ext. 112 or azar@cff.org.