Cystic fibrosis(CF) is a fatal disease that fills the lungs with fluid; it’s like drowning on the inside.
Each week in Canada, one person dies from cystic fibrosis – the most common fatal genetic disease that affects Canadian children and young adults. There is no cure.
This May, volunteers from Cystic Fibrosis Canada, Campbell River Chapter are asking residents of Campbell River to learn more about CF and to help Canadian families affected by this life-altering disease.
Sylvanna Denroche must consume a large number of enzymes, over 20 pills each day, to help absorb nutrients from food, and follow a demanding daily routine of physical and inhalation therapy to keep her lungs free of infections. Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at 11 months of age Sylvanna’s parents dream of the day when a cure will be found.
“Many Canadians don’t know what cystic fibrosis is and how it affects families,” said River Stoppard, Sylvanna’s mother. “During May, Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, I invite residents of Campbell River to visit www.drowningontheinside.ca to learn about CF from people who live with it every day and to join us for the Great Stride walk on May 29.”
CF month will be kicking off today by presenting the “ Canoe of Hope” to the Regional District of Campbell River at 4 p.m. The canoe was carved by first nations artist, Junior Henderson who designed it in honour of the fight against cystic fibrosis. It will be housed at Strathcona Gardens. This is a very fitting location for the canoe as it will be near the Rod Brind’Amour arena. Brind’Amour is a strong supporter of the CF cause as is Junior Henderson.
Beth Hamilton Memorial Diamond Bracelet Raffle:
Tickets for the raffle will be on sale beginning May 6 just before Mothers Day and will be drawn at the Rod Brind’Amour Cystic Fibrosis Golf Classic dinner on June 25.
The winner will receive a 10 carat yellow gold bracelet which includes a centre .33 Canadian diamond. For the past 4 years Beth Hamilton organized a diamond raffle to raise funds for cystic fibrosis, the disease affecting her son Michael. Sadly Beth lost her own battle with multiple myeloma less than a year ago. CF chapter members have organized the raffle this year to honour the memory of Beth who was a dedicated volunteer. Tickets for the bracelet which is donated by Preston Jewellers, Corona Jewellery of Canada and Neal Hamilton will be available at Preston Jewellers until June 24 and Discovery Foods on May 6-7.
Great Strides walk, Sunday, May 29:
Join Cystic Fibrosis Canada, Campbell River Chapter for the annual Great Strides walk on Sunday, May 29 and help take steps to cure cystic fibrosis. Great Strides will take place at Penfield School, registration at 10:15, start 11 a.m. There will be a barbecue lunch, prizes and activities for children. Proceeds from the walk fund vital CF research and care. To register or make a donation, visit www.cysticfibrosis.ca/greatstrides.
About cystic fibrosis and Cystic Fibrosis Canada
Cystic fibrosis 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. Thick mucus builds up and blocks the ducts of the pancreas, preventing enzymes, which help to digest food, from reaching the intestines. As improved therapies have helped to address the malnutrition issues, virtually all cystic fibrosis deaths are due to lung disease.
Cystic Fibrosis Canada is a national health charity committed to finding a cure for cystic fibrosis, and to helping people and families affected by cystic fibrosis cope with their daily fight.