ESTEVAN — Estevan continues to show strong support for those with cystic fibrosis (CF) through the Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History.
The 11th edition of the walk for Estevan took place May 25 at Woodlawn Regional Park. Dozens of people gathered at the Binzebo for registration, opening ceremonies and warm-up exercises. Then they ventured out for two or four kilometres. Eighty participants were registered.
Walk co-ordinator Kasey McIntyre, whose son Liam was born with CF, said it was the best walk yet, and they are so close to their goal of $18,000 that was set by Cystic Fibrosis Canada. She pointed out the walk had raised $89,988 in its first 10 years in Estevan.
"Every dollar raised changes the lives of those we care about, so no one is left behind," said McIntyre. "We have a lot of work to do to ensuring equitable, affordable access from coast to coast."
The success of the walk is driven by passion, she said, and the Estevan committee has accomplished a lot.
"I can't thank you all enough for being part of this journey," said McIntyre. "Our committee grows more and more every year, and I love that you support my vision and you trust it."
When a team in the CF Walk raises $5,000, she said it can fund six weeks of research to help better understand the cells in the lungs, which are defective for people with CF, and target future therapies for CF patients.
Cystic Fibrosis Canada is celebrating 65 years of progress this year, which McIntrye said was an "extraordinary achievement". The walk has created an "unstoppable community spirit" displayed while communities across the country come together with the same goal.
Some participants received 65 Roses baseball caps in honour of the 65th anniversary. Liam McIntyre said 65 Roses dates back to 1965, when a four-year-old heard the words cystic fibrosis, and thought it was 65 roses.
Kasey McIntyre thanks donors, sponsors, national partners, volunteers and advocates for making the walk possible. She also saluted junior volunteers, who create awareness themselves to help raise funds, and help the walk get to where it is now. She presented gifts to some of the youths.
Later, she commended the Estevan Kinette Club, who has been part of the event every year and helped bring the event to Estevan more than a decade ago. Team captain Robyn Sullivan was among the guest speakers.
"What you … do has not gone unnoticed, and knowing that you are making a difference for people in the community, like my son, our friends that we have met along the way, thank you for what you do," said McIntyre, who pointed out Kin clubs across the country have raised more than $55 million for CF research and patient care through their collaboration with Cystic Fibrosis Canada.
Guest speakers included Sullivan, a representative of national sponsor Carstar, Estevan Mayor Tony Sernick, Estevan-Big Muddy MLA Lori Carr, and Woodlawn Regional Park manager Maureen Daoust, speaking on behalf of RM of Estevan Coun. Mona Dukart. McIntyre also acknowledged the support of national sponsor Vertex Pharmaceuticals, all of the local sponsors for their support and the volunteers who made the event possible.
A barbecued lunch was served to registrants after the walk, and young people enjoyed family activities.
This year marks the 21st edition of the national Walk to Make CF history, and McIntyre it has raised $48 million since it started.
"Our work is not done. I'm hoping that through your generous fundraising efforts, that this is the best year yet."
