'Great Strides' benefits CF research

When Tonya Naughton graduated from the University of South Alabama in 1995 with a degree in psychology, she never dreamed her life would be changed by cystic fibrosis, a disease in which a defective gene causes the body to produce abnormally thick mucus, leading to life-threatening lung infections and impaired digestion.

Naughton, last year's Cystic Fibrosis Foundation chairperson, has two children living with the disease. She said raising funds for research is essential to improving her children's lives.

"The 'Great Strides' walk is a program that raises these much-needed funds," she said. "This disease affects 30,000 people in Alabama, yet we [CFF] do not receive the big bucks from big corporations like other foundations."

Naughton said "Great Strides" is a way to promote awareness about the disease while raising funds.

"This year will mark the walk's eighth year," she added.

The walk is a statewide event occurring in cities from the tip of Alabama in Anniston to the Gulf Coast in Mobile. On May 4, supporters and cystic fibrosis patients will gather at Langan Memorial Park at 8:30 a.m. to participate in a 10K walk.

Current CFF Chairperson Bridgett Hannahan said donations can be made in lieu of participation.

"We would like for all who could participate to come out, but we understand that some people may have conflicts," she said. "That is why all the money is pre-collected so that those who can't attend can still make their contributions."

Hannahan said any individual, group or organization can opt to participate in the "Adopt a Child Program," which she believes can make a child feel special.

"We will make a poster that spotlights the children," she said. "It is just really neat for the kids who are adopted."

Paper roses that hold a special significance to CFF can also be purchased for $100. Many years ago, a volunteer for the foundation had two young boys with cystic fibrosis. She was trying to raise funds for the organization when her oldest son said that he finally understood what she was doing. The son, who did not understand the disease or know how to pronounce it, said, "You are trying to get sixty roses, aren't you, mom."

Hannahan said, "Ever since then, the rose has been the official symbol of CFF."

Roses will be posted along the walk route to inspire participants. Beckhams Nursery Florists has also donated 65 roses to the walk.

Any person participating in the walk raising or donating $75 will also receive a TEAM CF T-shirt. Other door prizes will be awarded, and photographs will be available.

To pre-register, visit www.cff.org and fill out an online form. Naughton said registering early enters participants in the drawing for many door prizes offered through CFF. Donations must be sent by April 26 to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 3918 Montclair Rd., Suite 201, Birmingham, Ala., 35213. Questions can be directed to Hannahan at 380-9263.

Although there are many new cystic fibrosis treatments, there is currently no cure.