Great smiles for Great Strides: Kim Wood (nee Black) was back in the city on Sunday for the Great Strides walk in support of cystic fibrosis research. Wood was Campbell River’s original “poster girl” for cystic fibrosis awareness.

Great smiles for Great Strides: Kim Wood (nee Black) was back in the city on Sunday for the Great Strides walk in support of cystic fibrosis research. Wood was Campbell River’s original “poster girl” for cystic fibrosis awareness.

Great Strides a great success

The Great Strides-Taking Steps to cure Cystic Fibrosis annual walk on Sunday was a success this year.

The Great Strides-Taking Steps to cure Cystic Fibrosis annual walk on Sunday was a success this year.

The Campbell River Chapter of Cystic Fibrosis Canada is pleased to announce that we welcomed over 150 participants, and with the support of Campbell River, raised more than $13,000 for the fight against cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis, which affects the lungs and digestive system, is the most common, fatal, inherited disease affecting young Canadians.

All funds raised go toward research for a cure for cystic fibrosis(CF) and to fund necessary CF clinics across Canada.

The Campbell River chapter would like to extend their sincere thanks to all who came out in support of Cystic Fibrosis Canada and people who cope with this devastating disease each and every day.

“Great thanks to our sponsors – Campbell River Kinsmen Club, Zellers, Marine Harvest Canada, Quinsam Coal Corp, Capacity Forest Management, Citizens On Patrol, St. John Ambulance, Campbell River Fire Department, All in One Party Shop, Thrifty Foods, Bounce-a-rama, Dairy Queen, Imagination Unlimited, Sparkles the Clown, Toad in a Tree, and 97.3 The Eagle – for helping to make our event a success once again,” said event organizer River Stoppard. “Thanks also to all those who walked or sponsored walkers – everyone who helped or participated can feel proud of what we accomplished together to help beat this disease.”

Stoppard was honoured with a Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s “Breath of Life” award which is given in recognition of exceptional dedication and outstanding generosity in the fight against cystic fibrosis.

Chapter president Jo-Ann Wallis said, “River has worked incredibly hard to make a difference in the CF cause.  It is especially important to her as her seven-year-old daughter Sylvanna has CF.  Not only does River put a great deal of effort into keeping Sylvanna healthy but she works tirelessly for the CF cause and is a very deserving recipient of the award.”

Funds raised from the event are critical research and clinical care dollars which help to make a difference in the quality of life of Canadians with CF. Canadians with CF can look to the future with hope that a cure is in sight thanks to events like the Great Strides Walk.

Campbell River Mirror