ESTEVAN - Estevan-area people came together on Sunday and joined hundreds of other communities across Canada to talk about cystic fibrosis (CF).
Walks to Make Cystic Fibrosis History were held to raise awareness and funds for further research and support for those diagnosed with this serious disease.
Estevan had 44 people participating. As of the day of the walk, they were able to raise over $12,000, and donations kept coming with the projected total being up to $14,000.
Estevan champion Liam McIntyre and his friends took an active part in fundraising this year and also led the crowd through the Woodlawn Regional Park trails for the walk. His mother, Kasey McIntyre, and other members of the family have been strong supporters of the cause for many years now.
Liam was diagnosed with CF early in life, starting with newborn screening, and was able to get a proper regimen at six years of age. His involvement with the walks for CF grew through the years and especially this year as he turned 14. He was able to officially join the fundraising committee and ran a city-wide lemonade stand event along with his friends ahead of the walk.
"He definitely showed interest in stepping up," Kasey McIntyre said. She added that Liam's diagnosis was hard for everyone, but through activism, she is also trying to show him the good he can do.
"I'm trying to teach him as a parent that we don't always get what we want, and our expectations of what we think it could be and should be may change all the time. But if you can do something, to make it a good experience, then it might not be so bad. I'm trying to give him power in his illness. Yes, you do have cystic fibrosis, you do have to do these things to take care of yourself, but at the same time, don't let it be your whole life, don't let it control you."
CF is a genetic condition. People who have it have a faulty protein that affects the body's cells, tissues and glands that make mucus and sweat, which causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, digestive tract and other areas of the body.
McIntyre said symptoms vary as there are different types of CF and may include digestion problems, regular lung infections and further lung-related issues and more. She noted that one of the main signs is salty sweat, as its chemistry is different for people with CF who are not on any treatment.
"The sooner you get your diagnosis, the better it is, … then you can get on good vitamins, a good dietary plan, you have a team around you that helps you understand how to manage those things, and it is a lot of work," McIntyre noted.
While there are currently different regimens for people with CF, which allow them to live longer and fuller lives, there are still people for whom the existing medications don't work, so further research is needed. And even though Liam is living a normal life, for him and his family it's important to keep the efforts up, so that everyone would have a way to deal with this life-threatening disease.
This mindset resonates with this year's theme, #FurtherForAll, which was discussed ahead of the walk at a brief opening ceremony.
"This year's walk is focused on going #FurtherForAll, and by being here today you've already shown you are ready to do that, so thank you for that," McIntyre said.
Estevan MLA Lori Carr and Estevan City Councillor Tony Sernick were guest speakers for the day, and Maureen Daoust read a letter forwarded by Souris-Moose Mountain MP Robert Kitchen, who was unable to attend.
Carr and Sernick praised numerous fundraising efforts put up by Liam's family and friends along with other people this year.
"Congratulations to all of you for the hard work. And thank you so much to all of the volunteers, no matter what position you hold within the organization or if you're here to walk and support, we can't do it alone, and it all helps to make CF history," Carr said.
"By being here today, you will make a difference in the lives of those affected by cystic fibrosis," Sernick added.
In his letter, Kitchen remarked about the great work done by the organizing team and volunteers, and spoke about the focus of this year's event.
"This year's walk theme is #FurtherForAll, meaning people like yourselves have taken on a mission that until all receive the best medical breakthroughs to live longer, fuller lives, you will keep fighting for all," Kitchen wrote. "When people gather to bring awareness to cystic fibrosis, we learn about health-care challenges such as access to life-saving medicine, and ongoing issues that impact the CF world, such as funding to treat people in remote areas. I have no doubt that your message will continue to be heard and I too believe in going further for all."
In her opening remarks, McIntyre also noted that it is the 19th anniversary of the national event, and over the years Canadians have raised over $41 million, which was used to help find medication and assist with access to it for many people like Liam. She thanked everyone involved, including donors, sponsors, partners, Kin Canada for being event champions and all the volunteers and committee members.
"Estevan has been such a supportive community with great sponsors, donors and partners … It means a lot to us. We started out as a team just attending a walk in Estevan about nine years ago and here we are heading it up. So I think that is how you take something negative and turn it positive," McIntyre said.
There was also a raffle and a silent auction. An after-walk lunch was sponsored by Cliffton's No Frills.
