WE MADE A #STEPTOWARD TREATMENTS FOR ALL AT THE 2024 WALK TO MAKE CYSTIC FIBROSIS HISTORY
JUNE 14, 2024
On Sunday, May 26, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Walk To Make Cystic Fibrosis History. Thousands of participants gathered in over 40 locations across Canada to walk, cheer and take a #StepToward changing the CF story for every member of the community. It was an inspiring day as the CF community rallied together to shout, “no one will be left behind”.
While every Walk location did not have the sunshine we could hope for, hearts were warmed by the overwhelming support, story sharing and community spirit that the Walk Day brings each year.
FUNDRAISERS, PARTICIPANTS & VOLUNTEERS
Over 4,000 participants helped raise $2.2M (and counting)! This would not be possible without every single member of the CF community. The efforts from our youngest superhero fundraisers, to our largest fundraising team of 54 members are astounding! We are incredibly grateful for this community’s determination and commitment to improving the lives of ALL people living with cystic fibrosis. Thank you!
More than 500 volunteers rallied to lead, plan and execute Walk day events across the country, bringing joy to all! We are so lucky to have such an incredible volunteer community – from the committed go-getters who support us every year to the enthusiastic occasional volunteers, we’re so thankful to every one of you! Your dedication to the cause is unmatched!
TRIKAFTA FOR ALL
This year we highlighted that while we have done a lot of great work to improve the lives of people living with CF, there is still no cure, and new treatments aren’t helping everyone. We need to ensure we aren’t leaving anyone behind.
You may have seen our advocacy team out on Walk Day spreading this message with their TRIKAFTA FOR ALL messaging. As we stepped toward a future without CF, our voices carried the message that we can improve Canadians’ health by getting them access to drugs they need regardless of who they are, or where they live.
Your fundraising support is helping Cystic Fibrosis Canada fund the most important work in priority areas:
- Support researchers who are developing new ways to identify lung infections so that treatments can begin sooner
- Fund supplies that will support a research team investigating which rare CF mutations can benefit from Trikafta.
- Fund research into new ways to kill harmful bacteria that causes lung issues for people living with CF.
NATIONAL SPONSORS
Vertex: This is Vertex’s eighth year supporting the Walk and we are very grateful for their continued commitment to our work. Vertex is a global biotechnology company that aims to discover, develop and commercialize innovative medicines so people with serious diseases such as cystic fibrosis can lead better lives. Thank you, Vertex.
CARSTAR: A big thank you to Carstar Canada! With over 270 locations across Canada, CARSTAR Automotive Canada is the national leader of auto collision and auto glass services in this country. Over our 25-year partnership, they have raised an incredible $5 million in support of cystic fibrosis research and care. This year Carstar celebrates 30 years of business in Canada, with 30 franchise stores participating across the country, and $30,000 raised in addition to their sponsorship. Thank you, Carstar!
Amgen: We were delighted to have Amgen sponsor the 2024 Walk. Amgen discovers, develops, manufactures and delivers innovative medicines to help missions of people live fuller happier lives. Thank you, Amgen! We look forward to having you return in 2025!
Air Canada Foundation: We would like to thank Air Canada Foundation, our exclusive airline partner, for providing 2 flight vouchers to support our early registration contest.
Larivière Massicotte: We also welcomed Larivière Massicotte as a new sponsor this year. Their committed team works hand-in-hand with local pharmacists, healthcare teams, and various healthcare professionals to support patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), ensuring the best possible care for them. Larivière Massicotte are here to help CF patients throughout Quebec, so they get the specialty drugs they need, and coordinate their treatment to improve their pharmacare experience. Thank you, Larivière Massicotte!
Kin Canada: Our National Volunteer Partner and Cystic Fibrosis Canada are celebrating an incredible 60-year partnership this year. Kinsmen and Kinettes have been raising funds and awareness for us since 1964 and have raised over $50 million for CF research and patient care. Thank you, Kin Canada, for everything you do to support people living with cystic fibrosis.