Each year, students at Carteret Community College in Morehead City, North Carolina participate in the “Great Strides” Walk for Cystic Fibrosis. “Great Strides” is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s largest fundraising initiative, with over $8M raised so far. Funds raised from the event go towards cystic fibrosis research and the development of novel treatments and—hopefully—a cure. Teams form across the country to participate in the walk.
According to the Carteret County News-Times, the CCC walk will take place on April 28, 2023. The entire walk is 5K (approximately 3.1 miles). At CCC, the walk will begin on the west side of the McGee Building, which is located on campus. Registration opens 30 minutes prior to the walk, which begins at 1pm.
If you would like to donate to the CCC team, you may do so here. You can also feel free to reach out to David Roach at [email protected] to learn more about this endeavor. We thank CCC students for doing their part in making a difference!
About Cystic Fibrosis (CF)
Cystic fibrosis is a rare and progressive inherited condition that affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs throughout the body. Normally, our body produces thin, slippery mucus and digestive juices to aid in salt movement regulation, nutrient absorption, and more. In people with cystic fibrosis, genetic mutations cause this mucus to become thick and sticky. It builds up and causes blockages, bacterial infections, and organ damage. Cystic fibrosis is more common in Caucasian infants and occurs much more sporadically in people of other ethnic backgrounds. Symptoms can include:
- Shortness of breath and/or difficulty breathing
- Persistent coughing and wheezing
- Salty skin
- Infertility in males
- Exercise intolerance
- Nasal polyps
- Clubbed fingernails and toenails
- Frequent or recurrent lung infections
- Constipation
- Stuffy nose
- Poor weight gain
- Respiratory failure
In many cases, cystic fibrosis is diagnosed at birth through newborn screening measures such as sweat tests, blood samples, and genetic testing. Right now, no cure exists for this condition. Treatment options are varied and include vest therapy, surgery, TRIKAFTA, pancreatic enzymes, exercise and chest physical therapy, bronchodilators, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory treatments.
