5K walk benefiting Cystic fibrosis slated for May 4

4/6/2013

A 5K walk benefiting cystic fibrosis research, to be held locally at the Oscar Bunch GM Powertrain UAW Family Park, is part of a nationwide event May 4.

Kim Reno, a social worker at the Cystic Fibrosis Care Center at ProMedica Toledo, said the Toledo walk historically has been among the biggest of 600 such events across the country that raise money for the National Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

“We raise the most money and have the most walkers. About 1,000 people participated last year, and we raised $297,000,” Ms. Reno said.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that primarily affects the lungs, pancreas, liver, and intestines and causes frequent lung infections, sinus infections, poor growth, and infertility, with many patients eventually needing lung transplants.

Those interested in either participating in the walk or to donate and support a team may visit the Web site cff.org and look for the Toledo event.