Left to right, walkers Katie Croft and 3 year old daughter Emma with Saugeen Shores Kin Club President Christine Cooper and Kin Club members Chuck Sercan. Janet Crampton, Matt Schaefer and Maddie Mensher at Saugeen Shores Kin Club's first annual Walk To Make Cystic Fibrosis History May 28.
Hub Staff
With the sun shining and a gentle breeze, it was a perfect day for a walk as the Saugeen Shores Kin Club hosted their first annual Walk To Make Cystic Fibrosis History on Sunday May 28 at Nodwell Park in Port Elgin.
Currently there is no cure for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and it stands the most common fatal genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults. CF has a number of different effects on the body but mainly affects the digestive system and lungs.
Kin Canada is a national partner of Cystic Fibrosis Canada, each year hosting a variety of fundraising and awareness raising events in support of CF. Since 1964, Kin clubs have raised over $40 million towards research and patient care.
Walk To Make Cystic Fibrosis History is a national event that sees thousands of participants across the country fundraise and, on the same day each year, walk in support.
“2017 marks the 13th year of the walk in Canada and over the 13 years we have raised more than $28 million,” said Saugeen Shores Kin Club President, Christine Cooper, “All funds raised through the walk - through pledges, donations and sponsorships - help go directly towards research, health care, advocacy and new therapies for Cystic Fibrosis.”
Local brothers, Paul and Fran Sanagan had come to Nodwell Park to walk in support of Paul's 4 year old granddaughter who is afflicted with CF. “She lives in Toronto, so her parents are very involved with the association, Cystic Fibrosis Canada,” said Paul Sanagan, noting the advantages of being near Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children.
Mary Lou Hills had brought some of her friends with her to the walk and said it was a horrible disease. “I'm walking today because my step granddaughter in BC is afflicted with Cystic Fibrosis,” she said. “Shes 13 and her name's Raven and when I heard that this was the first fundraiser here, the first walk here in Saugeen Shores, I was all over it.”
Cooper said that they had a total of 10 registered walkers and raised $1,078. “For our first walk, I’m calling this one a success and we can’t wait to do it all again next year.”
The event was also home to the first public signing of the giant commemorative in honour of Canada 150 and walkers as well as members of the public were given an opportunity to sign the flag's signature border. The flag will be paraded through Saugeen Shores before being flown in Southampton July 1 and 2 as part of Saugeen Shores 150 celebrations.
Brothers Fran (left) and Paul Sanagan were walking for Paul's 4 year old granddaughter who has Cystic Fibrosis.
Saugeen Shores Kin Club President Christine Cooper, left, welcomes walkers to the first annual Walk To Make Cystic Fibrosis History at Nodwell Park in Port Elgin May 28.
