For Immediate release

Join the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at the 6th annual Great Strides™: Taking steps to cure cystic fibrosis walk

Toronto, ON (May 28, 2010) – On Sunday, May 30, more than 50 communities across Canada will be taking great strides towards finding a cure for cystic fibrosis (CF), the most common, fatal genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults.

Join the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at your local Great Strides™ walk, and make a real difference in the lives of those threatened by this devastating disease.

“We’re very excited about this year’s Great Strides™ walk,” said Cathleen Morrison, Chief Executive Officer for the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. “It promises to be a fun-filled day for the entire family. On Sunday, May 30, bring your friends and loved ones to the walk, and join the fight against cystic fibrosis.”

Funds raised by walkers will support vital cystic fibrosis research and care. The campaign has raised more than $6 million in the last five years. This year, the Foundation hopes to exceed its goal of $2.5 million!

Cystic fibrosis affects the lungs and the digestive system. In the digestive tract, cystic fibrosis blocks the absorption of adequate nutrients from food. In the lungs, the effects of the disease are most devastating; and with time, respiratory problems become increasingly severe. Ultimately, most CF deaths are due to lung disease.

Ella Whaley, 2, has cystic fibrosis. She and her family will join thousands of walkers across Canada to support the Foundation’s quest for a cure. Ella’s parents have been fighting this devastating disease since their little girl was diagnosed. She faces a demanding daily routine of physical and inhalation therapy to keep her lungs free from infections. She must also consume a large number of enzymes, about 20 pills a day, to help her body absorb nutrients from food.

Ella is a national “Super Strider”, representing the Foundation at her community walk. To learn more about Ella, or to register on-line, please visit www.cysticfibrosis.ca/greatstrides.

The Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is grateful to its Great Strides™ sponsors: Zellers, Kin Canada, Siemens Canada Ltd., Gilead Sciences Canada, Advocis and American Airlines.

About the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

The Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is a Canada-wide health charity, with 50 volunteer chapters, that funds cystic fibrosis research and care. In 2010, the Foundation is supporting more than 50 research projects, which are exploring all aspects of the CF puzzle; from investigating new methods of fighting infection and inflammation in the lungs, to finding new therapies that target the basic defect at a cellular level. For more information, visit www.cysticfibrosis.ca.

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For more information, or to speak with a local family affected by cystic fibrosis, please contact:

Sagal Ali
Media Relations Officer
Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
1-800-378-2233 ext. 290
sali@cysticfibrosis.ca
www.cysticfibrosis.ca