'Great Strides' walkathon planned Sept. 18 for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Funds will benefit medical research and programs.
The fifth annual Youngstown "Great Strides" walkathon is scheduled Sept. 18 at Boardman Township Park as a benefit for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Registration will begin at 9 a.m. at the Thomas C. Masters Pavilion. The walk will start at 10. Refreshments will be served and prizes awarded.
Volunteers are asked to recruit sponsors and may register online at www.cff.org/greatstrides. All donations should be collected prior to the walk.
Serving on the committee are Suzanne Strauss, Colleen Novosel, Kathy O'Nesti, Judy Greene, Kelly Greene, Melissa Rowland, Jaime Filo and Kathy Johnson.
The event is the foundation's fastest-growing fund-raiser. It has raised more than 22 million dollars nationwide and more than $300,000 in northeast Ohio. Funds benefit medical research and programs. For more information call (800) 368-2150 or (330) 759-0913.
About the disease
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease affecting about 30,000 children and young adults. It causes the body to produce a thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs. This abnormal mucus leads to chronic lung infections and life-threatening lung damage, and also interferes with digestion.