Great strides made for cystic fibrosis

Over a hundred residents made great strides to support cystic fibrosis research on Sunday.

Cystic fibrosis Canada held the annual Great Strides Walk across the country, with the national goal of raising $2.95 million. The Prince George chapter of the society raised an estimated $12,000 toward that goal through pledges and donations during its Great Strides event at Fort George Park.

"It's all about awareness," chapter president Lesley Girard said. "It means everything to have a healthy child and a healthy life."

Girard's nine-year-old son has cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder which effects the lungs and can lead to liver, heart and digestive problems - there is no known cure.

The goal of the society is to find a cure for the disease. Currently only half of Canadian children diagnosed with cystic fibrosis are expected to live into their 40s.

Those statistics weren't on the minds of children and families on Sunday, however, as they enjoyed a sunny day with a barbecue, fishing pond, bouncy castle, face painting and more.

"To have events like this... it's priceless really," Girard said.