BETHESDA, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--This weekend tens of thousands of walkers will hit the pavement and raise funds to fight cystic fibrosis. Great Strides is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's largest national fundraiser and includes a total of 500 walks throughout the year - with 200 this Saturday and Sunday.
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that causes debilitating lung infections, progressive lung destruction and premature death.
"The advancements made in CF research and care are only possible because of the unwavering support and deep passion of volunteers who are dedicated to our cause," said Robert J. Beall, Ph.D., president and CEO of the CF Foundation. "The generosity of so many who are walking this weekend gives hope to all people with CF that brighter futures and more tomorrows are ahead, and reminds families that they are not alone in this fight."
The premier sponsors of Great Strides 2015 are AbbVie, Novartis, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Walgreens. National corporate sponsors include American Airlines, Genentech and Gilead Sciences, Inc.
Great Strides' ultimate goal is to raise $43 million this year. These funds will enable the CF Foundation to continue to deliver on its mission to ensure that the best possible care and patient programs are available for all people with CF and their families, while working to develop lifesaving new therapies and one day finding a lifelong cure.
An estimated 30,000 adults and children in the United States – and 70,000 people worldwide – have CF. More than 10 million Americans are symptomless carriers of a defective CF gene.
The CF Foundation is an accredited charity of the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance and is one of the most efficient and effective organizations of its kind.
To help fight CF, participate in your local Great Strides walk by calling 1-800-FIGHT- CF 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 cystic fibrosis 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. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is a donor-supported nonprofit organization. For more information, go to www.cff.org.
