It’s a big weekend for the North Bay Chapter of Cystic Fibrosis Canada.
They’re holding a couple of events ahead of their signature event, the Walk To Make Cystic Fibrosis History on Sunday, May 28.
“There’s be so many developments over the last five or six years that it’s a very hopeful time for Cystic Fibrosis,” says Macrina Perron, Chapter President.
She says a number of local families are celebrating those breakthroughs, but more work is needed.
“Many of those families are breathing a sigh of relief because of the research that’s been happening and the breakthroughs by the way of gene-modulating drugs,” she says. “But now the time has come to focus our attention on the people who don’t have a gene modulator. The ones who are waiting for their medical breakthrough.”
Perron says they’re also focusing on those who don’t have access to medication for a number of reasons including a lack of insurance, government red tape or funding issues around a lack of income.
Sunday’s walk is the 9th locally with funds raised to support increased access to life-changing medications, Cystic Fibrosis research and high-quality individualized health care.
Registration is at 9:30 am at the Kiwanis Bandshell at the waterfront with opening remarks, a warmup from The Studio and the walk beginning at 10 am.
Awards and the unofficial fundraising total will be announced at 11:45 am with raffles, draws, crafts, and snacks available during the event.
Events in the lead-up to the walk include a cupcake and bake sale at Burger World on Hammond from 11 am to 4 pm on Thursday.
The Studio North Bay is also hosting its 11th annual Zumbathon on Friday, May 26 at École élémentaire catholique Saints-Anges.
Doors open at 6 pm with the event starting at 7 pm.
The cost is $25 at the door or fundraise to attend for free.
