Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Launches 'Walk Weekend' - More than 200 GREAT STRIDES Fundraisers Scheduled for May 15-16

Tens of Thousands to Participate during National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month

BETHESDA, Md., May 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation announced today that more than 200 cities will host GREAT STRIDES walks May 15-16. GREAT STRIDES is a national fundraiser benefiting critical cystic fibrosis (CF) research, education and care programs. GREAT STRIDES is in its 22nd year and seeks to raise about $40 million in 2010.

Funds raised through GREAT STRIDES have helped spur dramatic advances in CF research and care. The predicted median age of survival for individuals with cystic fibrosis has more than doubled in the past 25 years. People with CF are living into their 30s, 40s and beyond.

May is National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month. Throughout the year, about 650 sites will host GREAT STRIDES walks. The greatest number will happen this weekend.

"GREAT STRIDES is crucial to our lifesaving efforts, and every walker who joins us makes a difference for people with cystic fibrosis," said Robert J. Beall, Ph.D., president and CEO of the CF Foundation. "We are making tremendous progress in fighting this disease, and we are grateful for our volunteers and sponsors who are a vital part of this effort."

States hosting walks this weekend include: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Wisconsin.

CF is a life-threatening 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 the CF gene.

The CF Foundation has earned a four-star rating for sound fiscal management from Charity Navigator and is an accredited charity of the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance. GREAT STRIDES 2010 is sponsored nationally by American Airlines®, Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Genentech, Inc.

To help fight CF and get involved in GREAT STRIDES, please call (800) FIGHT CF or visit 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, visit www.cff.org.

SOURCE Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

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