Cori's Sunshine Superheroes

For Corinne

Hello from Cori's Sunshine Superheroes! This is our 11th year participating in the Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides walk and we are super excited for another great event at Sloans Lake.  Who's ready to join us?!?!

Again for this year you can download the Fight CF mobile app to participate and track your miles walked prior to and at the event - a great way to get some steps in for a worthy cause! And of course you can always donate :). However you participate this year (in-person walker, virtual walker, and/or via donation) we cannot say 'thank you' enough to all those that have supported, and continue to support Cori and her team! Remember that you don’t have to donate to walk and you don’t have to walk to donate…we’ll take your support however we can get it!

Cori is still an atypical case – she does her vest, takes her Kalydeco two times a day, and has the occasional antibiotic when she’s sick (and she’s had a pretty healthy year again!).  Overall, she is still a typical kid - just with her CF super powers. :)

Ten years ago we couldn't have imagined all of the promising things that have happened in the CF community and so much of that is a result of the work that the CF Foundation does. They have continued to forge ahead in pursuit of better treatment and a cure. You can read more about what they’ve been up to here:  https://www.cff.org/news

My intent with this team is to help raise awareness and funds to find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis - for EVERY child and person with the disease, not just Cori.  We always have a fantastic time participating in the Great Strides Walk - won’t you join us?  Whether you make a financial donation, participate in the Great Strides walk for Cori’s Sunshine Superheroes, or just support us with your encouragement...THANK YOU! -Julie

What is Cystic Fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs.  There are close to 40,000 children and adults living with cystic fibrosis in the United States (and an estimated 105,000 people have been diagnosed with CF across 94 countries), and CF can affect people of every racial and ethnic group.

• In people with CF, mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene cause the CFTR protein to become dysfunctional. When the protein is not working correctly, it’s unable to help move chloride — a component of salt — to the cell surface. Without the chloride to attract water to the cell surface, the mucus in various organs becomes thick and sticky.

• In the lungs, the mucus clogs the airways and traps germs, like bacteria, leading to infections, inflammation, respiratory failure, and other complications. For this reason, avoiding germs is a top concern for people with CF.

• In the pancreas, the buildup of mucus prevents the release of digestive enzymes that help the body absorb food and key nutrients, resulting in malnutrition and poor growth. In the liver, the thick mucus can block the bile duct, causing liver disease. In men, CF can affect their ability to have children.

Today, because of improved medical treatments and care, more than half of people with CF are age 18 or older. Many people with CF can expect to live healthy, fulfilling lives into their 30s, 40s, and beyond.