More than 100 residents and volunteers were at the Jo Forman Track behind the John Rhodes Community Centre on Sunday for the Sault’s 8th annual Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History.
The city was one of many across the country that had participants walking to raise funds and awareness for cystic fibrosis (CF) – an incurable genetic disorder that primarily causes damage to the lungs and digestive system.
Identified with a blue bandana on their arm, more than half a dozen locals living with CF took part in the walk, including 19-year-old Dana Labelle.
“It’s really awesome to see it all come together,” she says. “The support from everyone has been amazing, and to see the steps forward every year is super cool.”
Like many living with CF, Labelle is now taking Trikafta – a new, transformational drug that targets the basic defect from specific genetic mutations that cause CF, according to Cystic Fibrosis Canada.
Labelle says the positive changes to her well-being have been incredibly noticeable since she began taking the medicine, and it’s given her hope that brighter days lie ahead.
“Before, I would almost be coughing constantly,” she says. “I would just sleep through my coughing and wouldn’t know, but I don’t have that anymore. I rarely ever cough unless I’m sick, so seeing those steps forward is really awesome.”
“It’s the closest medication we have to a cure right now.”
The walk in the Sault has raised just over $6,600 of its $20,000 goal as of Sunday afternoon.
Donations can be made to Cystic Fibrosis Canada until Aug. 31.