Thrifty Foods in several Vancouver Island communities will be exchanging a carnation for donations in May beginning on May 11.
Managers, Doug Riederer – Campbell River; Andy Carter – Courtenay ; Jeff Ackinclose – Comox and Bill Rutledge – Parksville locations have joined together in supporting the fight against cystic fibrosis. Through their many years of sponsorship and participation of the Rod Brind’Amour Cystic Fibrosis Golf Classic, they have learned a great deal about cystic fibrosis and the impact it has on the people who have it, their families and friends.
Doug Riederer said “I have a deep respect for children and young adults who are battling cystic fibrosis – it is a devastating disease. We really want to support the CF cause and help find a cure or control so children like Maysa Milligan can live a longer and healthier life – we want to make a difference in their lives.”
Milligan takes many medications, uses a nebulizer several times a day and under goes physiotherapy at least twice a day to help loosen the secretions in her lungs. She struggles with gaining weight and is on a special diet. Her parents take her to Victoria every few months for check ups with the specialized cystic fibrosis clinic at Victoria General Hospital. Sarah Milligan, Maysa’s mother said “it has been heart breaking to see my child so sick – even when she is at her best she must endure hours of treatments and medications – it would mean more than anything to see a cure for this terrible disease. I am so grateful to Thrifty Foods for all they do to help fight CF – I encourage everyone to stop in and pick up your carnation in exchange for a donation – your help will make a difference.”
All funds raised from the donations you make at Thrifty Foods go to Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s Campbell River/Comox Valley chapter. They are used to fund vital research into finding a cure or control for CF and to high quality clinical care.
Jo-Ann Wallis, president of the chapter joins in the praise for Thrifty Foods and reminds people “Thrifty Foods have made it very easy to give – please stop in and give generously – and thank you Thrifty Foods for your help in giving our children and young people with cystic fibrosis hope for better and more tomorrows.”
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.
As improved therapies have helped to address the malnutrition issues, ultimately most deaths related to cystic fibrosis are due to lung disease.