GREAT STRIDES Walks for Cystic Fibrosis Slated for 47 States This Weekend

BETHESDA, Md., May. 16 /PRNewswire/ --

Nationwide Fundraiser Seeks to Raise $38 Million for Life-threatening Disease

BETHESDA, Md., May 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Walkers in nearly every state will raise funds for cystic fibrosis this weekend -- May 17 and 18 -- by participating in GREAT STRIDES, the largest national CF fund-raiser, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation announced today.

May is National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month. Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening genetic disease that causes fatal lung infections and serious digestive complications. The predicted median age of survival for people with CF is 37 years - more than double what it was 25 years ago.

To locate walk sites, go to >.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, GREAT STRIDES raises money for critical research, care and education programs. In 2007, GREAT STRIDES raised an unprecedented $34.6 million. This year, the Foundation seeks to top that goal by raising $38 million nationwide.

"We have made tremendous advances in the fight against CF, and there is much promising research on the horizon. The volunteers who take part in GREAT STRIDES are absolutely essential to our continued progress toward a cure and control for this disease," said Robert J. Beall, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Foundation. "We are grateful to each and every walker who joins us."

GREAT STRIDES walks began in March and will continue through May. A majority of walks take place May 17 and 18. Overall, thousands of walkers are expected to turn out at 581 walk sites in the U.S.

One of the most efficient charities in the country, the Foundation was awarded a coveted 4-star rating for sound fiscal management from Charity Navigator, the largest charity evaluator in the United States. Ninety cents of every dollar raised by the Foundation is available to fund CF research and care programs.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has fueled dramatic improvements in research and care that have significantly changed the prognosis for people with CF.

About the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the leading organization devoted to curing and controlling cystic fibrosis. Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., the Foundation funds CF research, has more than 80 chapters and branch offices throughout the country, and supports and accredits a nationwide network of more than 115 CF care centers, which provide vital treatments and other CF resources to patients and families. For more information, visit >.