Fit as Fido

Let Fido Help You Make Great Strides to Defeat Cystic Fibrosis

05.10.2010 // Fit As Fido // Dawn A. Marcus, M.D. // 2 Comments

What do you have planned for this weekend? If you live in Western Pennsylvania, Wheatie, Toby, I and will be expecting to see you near Pie Trainor Field (by the swimming pool) at North Park for this year’s Great Strides walk to help find a cure for cystic fibrosis. (Registration at 8AM. Walk starts at 9AM.)

What is cystic fibrosis? Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system. This results in serious breathing and nutrition problems. Cystic fibrosis limits the body’s ability to absorb food and can cause wheezing, shortness or breath, and recurring serious lung infections. According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, about 30,000 Americans have cystic fibrosis. Over 70 percent of those affected are diagnosed by the time they turn 2 years old. Fifty years ago, a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis meant you’d never make it past your childhood. With new advances, nearly half of today’s patients become adults and some cystic fibrosis patients can live into middle age.

And while advances in medical treatments for this condition have been amazing, more work is needed to cure cystic fibrosis. And this is where you and Fido can help! Check out the video below and get inspired to join a Great Strides walk in your neighborhood.

Find a Great Strides event in your neighborhood.