Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Kicks Off Great Strides Walks in Atlanta, GA

ATLANTA, May 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Georgia Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation announced today the launch of Great Strides, a national walk that generates critical funds to support lifesaving cystic fibrosis research, education and care. The 2013 goal of Great Strides, the largest CF fundraiser, is to raise $40 million nationwide.  In 2012 Atlanta hosted the largest CF walk in the country, and raised over $1.2 million to support these efforts.

In Atlanta, GA a walk is scheduled at the following location

Funds raised through Great Strides have helped spur dramatic progress in the lives of those who have cystic fibrosis. Fifty years ago, most children with CF did not live long enough to attend elementary school. Today, people with CF are living into their 30s, 40s and beyond.

"We still lose precious young lives to this disease every day. It's more important than ever that we raise every dollar we can to fight CF," said Scot Rittenbaum, Executive Director for the CF Foundation's Georgia Chapter. "We're grateful for every volunteer, donor and corporate sponsor who supports Great Strides."

Local sponsors of Great Strides include Snellings Walters Insurance Agency, Choate Construction and GEICO.  National sponsors include Abbvie, Walgreens, American Airlines, Genetech, and Chubb.

Cystic fibrosis is a fatal genetic disease that afflicts 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 the CF gene. 

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

To help fight CF, get involved in Great Strides by calling Georgia Chapter at (404) 325-6973 or by visiting http://greatstrides.cff.org

About the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the world's leader in the search for a cure for cystic fibrosis. The Foundation funds more CF research than any other organization, and nearly every CF drug available today was made possible because of Foundation support. Based in Bethesda, Md., the Foundation also supports and accredits a national care center network that has been recognized by the National Institutes of Health as a model of care for a chronic disease. For more information, go to www.cff.org.

SOURCE Cystic Fibrosis Foundation