Walk to raise funds for cystic fibrosis

Staff report

Boardman

The Northern Ohio Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will have a Great Strides Walk at Boardman Park’s Masters Pavilion on Saturday. Check-in for the event begins at 9 a.m., and the walk begins at 10 a.m.

Great Strides is a national walk program that generates critical funds for life-saving cystic fibrosis research, education and care.

The nationwide event is the largest cystic fibrosis fundraiser, and the 2012 goal is to raise nearly $40 million. At the Boardman event, more than 200 participants from Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties are expected to attend.

A post-walk victory party celebration will take place, where participants will enjoy lunch and snacks, kid-friendly entertainment, a registration raffle, and a live concert by Hey Kid!

Funds raised through Great Strides have helped spur progress in the lives of those who have cystic fibrosis. Fifty years ago, most children with CF did not live long enough to attend elementary school. Today, people with CF are living into their 30s, 40s and beyond.

Local sponsors of the event include ChanTest, The Cafaro Foundation, Humility of Mary Health Partners, The DeBartolo Corp., and Windsor House.

To get involved in Great Strides, contact the Northern Ohio Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Chapter at 216-475-2873, or visit http://greatstrides.cff.org.