Cystic Fibrosis Canada Holds Gala Hosted by Ben Mulroney

Since 1960, Cystic Fibrosis Canada has invested nearly $160 million in leading research, care and advocacy, resulting in one of the world’s highest median survival rates for Canadians living with cystic fibrosis. It is the most common fatal genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults. It is a multi-system disease that affects mainly the lungs and the digestive system. In the lungs, where the effects are most devastating, a build-up of thick mucus causes severe respiratory problems. Mucus and protein also build up in the digestive tract, making it difficult to digest and absorb nutrients from food. As improved therapies have helped to address the malnutrition issues, ultimately most deaths related to cystic fibrosis are due to lung disease.

The first time I met someone with cystic fibrosis was when, as a child, I was lucky to be a camper at Camp Coochiching. The new initiative that began at Camp Cooch, as we affectionately called it, was also the first camp program of its kind in the world. Camp Cooch operated a special month-long camping program for children with cystic fibrosis, carving a reputation as a place for all and a special place in my heart for those living with cystic fibrosis. I continue to hope for a cure and do my part to support those living with cystic fibrosis. Cystic Fibrosis Canada invested more than $9.9 million in innovative research and clinical care, funded 48 research projects, 8 special research initiatives, and 27 fellows and students in 2014/2015. Of the Canadians who lost their battle to cystic fibrosis in 2013, half were under 35 years old. There is no cure, but there is hope.

Thirteen-year-old Madi Vanstone knows firsthand the challenges of living with cystic fibrosis after being diagnosed with the disease as a baby. “People with CF like me never get a day off from hours of therapy and dozens of medications,” notes Vanstone. “I hope every Canadian will join me by participating or sponsoring a walker in CARSTAR’s Great Strides Walk™ for Cystic Fibrosis Canada.”

You too can join the fight against cystic fibrosis! In honour of Cystic Fibrosis Month, CARSTAR Automotive Canada Inc. is donating $5 (up to $100,000) to Cystic Fibrosis Canada for every social tweet, retweet or share on Twitter or Facebook during the month of May that includes the #AWorldWithoutCF hashtag

This year, thousands of Canadians will take steps for a CF cure on Sunday, May 31, 2015 in 65 locations across Canada. CARSTAR’s Great Strides™ Walk for Cystic Fibrosis Canada is a national fundraising event that raises vital funds for cystic fibrosis research, care and advocacy initiatives to help Canadians with cystic fibrosis live longer, healthier lives. To register, collect pledges and/or make a donation, visit Cystic Fibrosis online. www.cysticfibrosis.ca/greatstrides today.

I thoroughly enjoyed the CF Decant Gala & Fine Wine Auction at the Delta Hotel. It was a sumptuous evening that shed light on such an important cause.

You can donate to support life-saving cystic fibrosis research and care or find more information at Cystic Fibrosis Canada, Cystic Fibrosis on Facebook or follow on Twitter @CFCanada.