Atlanta to take Great Strides for Cystic Fibrosis

Atlanta, Georgia- May 4, 2005
Today, the Atlanta Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation announced the kick-off for GREAT STRIDES 2005. This national fund-raising event raises millions of dollars each year to fund vital cystic fibrosis (CF) research and care programs and is the CF Foundation’s largest and fastest-growing event. GREAT STRIDES: Taking Steps to Cure CF is nationally sponsored by American Airlines®, Bank of America and Solvay Pharmaceuticals and will take place at five sites in Georgia. Most walks will occur in May, which is also National CF Awareness Month.

This year, the CF Foundation plans to raise $28 million nationally through GREAT STRIDES. More than 90 cents of every dollar raised is used to fund CF research and care programs. GREAT STRIDES walks will occur at more than 500 locations around the country.

The walk schedule for Georgia is as follows:

Location and Date:
Hampton, Georgia May 14th, 2005
Atlanta, Georgia May 21st, 2005
Jefferson, Georgia November 5th, 2005
Valdosta, Georgia November 12th, 2005

CF is a genetic disease that affects tens of thousands of children and adults in the United States. More than ten million Americans are unknowing symptom-less carriers of one copy of the defective CF gene. The defective gene causes the body to produce a faulty protein that leads to abnormally thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and results in life-threatening lung infections. The mucus also obstructs the pancreas, causing difficulty in the absorbtion of nutrients in food. The median life expectancy has improved from early childhood in the 1950s to the mid-30s today; however, most individuals with CF must battle lung disease their entire lives.

“There are two goals for GREAT STRIDES. Number one is participation of families, and number two the participation of corporate teams, and all of a sudden, you have a powerhouse!” said Maureen Fraser, executive director of the Georgia Chapter of the CF Foundation.

This dynamic fund-raiser could not come any sooner. Although the CF Foundation is proud of its achievements as it recognizes its 50-year anniversary, lives continue to be lost every day to this disease. Now, the need for local and corporate sponsorships is even more crucial. For the first time in the CF Foundation’s history, scientific opportunities are coming at a pace that exceeds the ability to fund them.

Call the Georgia Chapter at: 404-325-6973 to get involved with GREAT STRIDES. Or, take a walk through the GREAT STRIDES section of the CF Foundation’s Web site at www.cff.org/great_strides to see how you can join the fight.

About the CF Foundation
The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is to assure the development of the means to cure and control cystic fibrosis and to improve the quality of life for those with the disease. For more information visit our Web site at: www.cff.org.

Contact Information

Katja Morgenstern

Director of Development

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Contact via E-mail