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Campbell River takes strides to make CF history

Campbell River hosted the annual Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis history on Sunday morning
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Kristen Douglas/Campbell River Mirror Gillian Legendre of Detailed Face Painting decorates the face of Kyla White.

Campbell Riverites and visitors from the Comox Valley packed Penfield school Sunday morning to fight against cystic fibrosis.

The annual Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History attracted nearly 100 walkers, cyclists, strollers and a few dogs. As of Tuesday afternoon, the event had raised $11,000 but organizers were awaiting more online donations to come in.

M.C. John Milligan, who’s young daughter Maysa has cystic fibrosis (CF), thanked those in attendance for making strides to make cystic fibrosis history and help those who suffer from the incurable respiratory disease live better, longer lives than ever before.

“Thank you for giving them a real shot at a real long and healthy life,” Milligan said. “Due to advancements in cystic fibrosis research and care, Canadians are living longer with CF than ever before – like my little Maysa right here.

“They’re living well into their 50s and beyond, only because of the generous support from people like all of you that we’re closer than ever before to finding a cure to cystic fibrosis.”

Cystic fibrosis is the most common fatal genetic disease among Canadian children and young adults.

In the 1960s, most Canadian children with CF did not live long enough to attend kindergarten. Now, the median age of survival of Canadians with CF is among the highest in the world at 52.1 years. The country has come a long way, but, at present there is no cure or control for cystic fibrosis and according to the most recent data of the patients who lost their battle to CF, half were under 32 years of age.

Campbell River’s Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History was held in conjunction with other similar events in more than 65 locations across the country.

The walk began at Penfield school and circled back for a barbecue lunch countresy of the Kinsmen Club, Dairy Queen, Thrifty Foods and Save On Foods.

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Kristen Douglas/Campbell River Mirror John Milligan embraces his young daughter Maysa Milligan, who has cystic fibrosis. John was the M.C. of Sunday’s Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis history which began at Penfield school.
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Kristen Douglas/Campbell River Mirror There was a good turnout Sunday of walkers, cyclists, strollers and even some dogs at the Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History.
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Kristen Douglas/Campbell River Mirror The crowd starts out from Penfield school during Sunday’s Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History.