Walk raises funds for cystic fibrosis foundation

BOARDMAN -- The fourth annual Youngstown Great Strides Walk-a-Thon, part of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's largest fund-raising event, will take place Sept. 20 in Boardman Park.
The 10-kilometer hike through the park begins at 10 a.m. and concludes with a celebration of food and music in the Thomas C. Masters pavilion.
Registration for the walk will be at 9 a.m.
Walkers are encouraged to collect $150 in donations, which will help fund research for a cure.
Cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that impairs digestion and causes chronic, fatal lung infections, affects more than 30,000 children and young adults in the United States. Average life expectancy for those afflicted is 33 years.
Some 100,000 participants are expected to turn out at Great Strides fund-raising events at nearly 600 sites throughout the country.
This year's goal is to raise $21 million.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is among 17 charities cited by The Wall Street Journal's SmartMoney magazine as an organization that "won't waste your money."
Nearly 90 cents of every dollar raised goes directly toward patient care and research.
To register for the walk, visit www.cff.org or call (216) 382-8295. Walkers are also welcome to register the day of the event.