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Friday, April 18, 2008

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation kicks off Great Strides Walk


Hugh Farr (photo)
Exec. Dir. CF Foundation

The Lone Star Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation announced today the kick-off of GREAT STRIDES, the largest CF fund-raiser in the country. Great Strides raises critical funds for life-saving research, education and care programs for cystic fibrosis, a fatal genetic disease.

In San Antonio participation in Great Strides is expected to break attendance records this year. The walk is scheduled at the Arneson River Theatre and will coincide with Cystic Fibrosis Awareness month in May. The route will start at the lovely Arneson River Theatre, move along the picturesque San Antonio Riverwalk, into the Hemisfair Park and then head into the King William neighborhood and conclude back at the Arneson River Theatre.

Saturday May 3rd @ Arneson River Theatre @ 9 a.m.

“With so much promising research on the horizon, it’s more important than ever that we raise every dollar we can to fight CF and improve the lives of people with this disease,” said Robert “Woody” Wilson, Board president of the CF Foundation’s Lone Star Chapter. “We are grateful for the contributions of each volunteer and donor who supports Great Strides. Every walker is doing their part in this life-saving effort.”

Corporate sponsors of the San Antonio Great Strides include American Airlines, Solvay, Airgas, Oak Farms, Axcan Pharma, Custom Fitness Center, Tower of the Americas, Security Service Federal Credit Union, and Valero. This year we are proud to have San Antonio City Manager Sheryl Schulley as the Honorary Chair, News-4 anchors Randy Beamer and Delaine Mathieu will be our emcees and the band The Harley’s will be performing for all the walkers and attendees. Children will be entertained by the HE’Buddy’ and McGruff the Crime Dog.

In 2007, Great Strides raised an unprecedented $34.6 million. This year, the Foundation seeks to top that goal by raising $40 million nationwide. Great Strides walks will occur at 581 sites—including San Antonio—across the country from March to June.

The CF Foundation has been recognized as one of the most efficient charities in the country. Nearly 90 cents on the dollar raised by the CF Foundation is available to fund CF research and care programs.

Fifty years ago, most children with CF did not live long enough to attend elementary school.Today, as a result of dramatic improvements in research and care, the median age of survival is 37 years old. To help fight CF, get involved in Great Strides by calling the Lone Star Chapter at 210-829-7267or by visiting
http://greatstrides.cff.org.


Contact:
Hugh H. Farr, Executive Director
Lone Star Chapter Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Phone: (210) 829-7267

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