Two year old Maysa Milligan said thank you to Walmart manger, David Hunt for the $1,500 contribution Walmart made to Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s Campbell River chapter through the Matching Grant program.
Employees raised funds to help people with cystic fibrosis and they were matched by Walmart’s head office.
Sarah Milligan, Maysa’s mother said, “I’m thrilled to think the Campbell River Walmart good works committee chose to contribute to Cystic Fibrosis Canada. Maysa has had a rough start in life and it helps our family cope knowing that people like David are willing to raise the funds needed to find a cure for our daughter and others like her.”
Maysa undergoes a regime of physiotherapy twice a day to help loosen the thick secretions that cause her to have difficulty breathing. Her parents place her in different positions and clap on her back and chest.
Maysa also takes daily inhalers to open airways and reduce inflammation to help her breath; three session of medications via nebulizers and her diet is supplemented with special formula to help her gain weight. As well, she takes enzymes to help her digest her food, extra vitamins to help increase her nutrition and antibiotics to help her fight off lung infections.
Sarah said, “my husband and I work hard to keep Maysa has healthy as possible – it is hard work but we will do anything to help her have the best life possible.”
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is the most common fatal genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults. It is a multi-system disease that affects mainly the lungs and the digestive system. In the lungs, where the effects are most devastating, a build-up of thick mucus causes severe respiratory problems. Mucus and protein also build up in the digestive tract, making it difficult to digest and absorb nutrients from food. As improved therapies have helped to address the malnutrition issues, ultimately most deaths related to cystic fibrosis are due to lung disease. There is no cure.
The funds contributed by Walmart will go to support high quality clinical care for people with cystic fibrosis and to fund the medical scientific research to find a cure or control for CF.
Bonni Roset, a 30-year volunteer with the Campbell River Chapter says, “I have seen the difference that has been made by improved treatments for people with cystic fibrosis that have been made during the time I have been volunteering. It is heart warming to know children diagnosed with CF now will have a chance at having a productive life - so much better than when I first started volunteering for Cystic Fibrosis Canada. The funds definitely will make a difference.”