The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation announced today that more than 200 cities will host Great Strides walks May 21-22, 2011. Great Strides is a national fundraiser that generates critical funds for lifesaving cystic fibrosis research, education and care. The 2011 goal of Great Strides is to raise nearly $40 million nationwide.

May is National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month. Throughout the year, some 600 sites will hold Great Strides walks.

Funds raised through Great Strides have helped fuel dramatic advances in CF research and care. People with the disease now often live into their 30s and beyond, progress that was unthinkable just a few decades ago.

"Great Strides is the most important fundraiser we have all year, and we are grateful to every walker who joins us," said Robert J. Beall, Ph.D., president and CEO of the CF Foundation. "Each dollar raised brings us closer to finding better therapies and ultimately a cure for this devastating disease."

Cystic fibrosis is a fatal genetic disease that affects 30,000 adults and children in the United States and 70,000 people worldwide. It causes debilitating lung infections that lead to premature death. More than 10 million Americans are symptomless carriers of a defective CF gene.

Great Strides 2011 is sponsored nationally by Abbott, American Airlines®, Genentech and Gilead Sciences, Inc.

The CF Foundation is an accredited charity of the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance.

Source:
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation