By Daily Press staff
Nearly 200 people are expected to don their walking shoes Sunday to search for a cure to Cystic Fibrosis.
As the largest and fastest-growing fundraiser of Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, The Great Strides 10-kilometer walk is held every spring. Every CF Foundation chapter and branch office participates in this 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) walk.
The Los Angeles office of the foundation will host one of its three area Great Strides walks in Santa Monica on Sunday at the Water Garden, 2425 Olympic Blvd.
With 175 to 200 walkers anticipated, the LA office has set a goal to raise $75,000 this weekend. Fundraising participants include several children and their families touched directly by CF. All proceeds from the event will be applied to CF research.
The Great Strides walk began in 1988 and raised $1.5 million. Now in its 16th year, Great Strides is positioned to raise more than $22 million for CF research.
Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease affecting approximately 30,000 children and young adults in the United States. A defective gene causes abnormally thick mucus which clogs the lungs and can lead to life-threatening lung infections. Currently, there is no cure. The average life expectancy is 32 years.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 19, 2004. Read the original PDF.