Cystic Fibrosis Canada invites Canadians to Walk To Make Cystic Fibrosis History
May 1, 2026Share this:
Toronto, ONTARIO (May 1, 2026) – Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s signature event, the Walk To Make Cystic Fibrosis History, will take place on Sunday, May 31 at 40 locations across the country. Participants are invited to register for the Walk and raise funds to #StepToward a future where all Canadians with cystic fibrosis can live longer, healthier, and fuller lives.
The Walk is an opportunity for families, friends, individuals, work colleagues, and other teams to take a #StepToward changing the lives of people living with cystic fibrosis and honouring those who’ve lost their lives because of this disease. The Walk is a volunteer-driven event and would not be possible without the support of hundreds of dedicated supporters across the country and the business and community partners that support the Walk with sponsorship and gifts in kind.
“When you participate in the Walk, you are changing what's possible for people in Canada with cystic fibrosis,” said Kelly Grover, President and CEO, Cystic Fibrosis Canada. “Every step you take and every dollar you raise drives research forward, expands access to medications, creates support programs and strengthens the CF care families across the country receive. Together, we are making a difference and bringing hope within reach”. “
The Walk To Make Cystic Fibrosis History is the largest national fundraiser in support of people in Canada with cystic fibrosis and has raised $50 million over the past 21 years. Funds from the Walk have powered transformational progress and helped to support Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s work to expand access to cystic fibrosis medications and accelerate Canadian research.
But here is the reality: some people do not benefit from current therapies and those who do continue to face hospitalizations and health challenges. And too many Canadians with cystic fibrosis are still dying far too young. Support from the Walk helps to close these gaps: accelerate research, secure equitable access to medications, and ensure no one with cystic fibrosis is left behind.
"When we fundraise or attend the Walk, we bring our entire community with us. It’s an opportunity for the people around us to learn more about CF and understand how meaningful every donation is. These individual contributions play a shared role in building a better future for our loved ones with CF." - Helio, father to Oscar, 3, who lives with CF
On May 31, communities across Canada will come together not just to celebrate progress, but to demand what comes next. Funds raised through the Walk support improved access to medications, Canadian CF research, high-quality specialized care and needed support. Canadians interested in joining their local Walk or the virtual Walk can register now at: walk.cysticfibrosis.ca
Cystic Fibrosis Canada is grateful to our Visionary Sponsor, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. whose support is helping make the Walk To Make Cystic Fibrosis History possible in communities across Canada.
For more information, please contact:
Chloe Hall, Manager, Communications
Cystic Fibrosis Canada
T: (519) 402-4070
E: chall@cysticfibrosis.ca
Cystic fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is the most common fatal genetic disease affecting more than 4,500 Canadian children and young adults. There is no cure. Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, degenerative multi-system disease that affects mainly the lungs and digestive system. In the lungs, where the effects are most devastating, a build-up of thick mucus causes severe respiratory problems. Mucus and protein also build up in the digestive tract, making it difficult to digest and absorb nutrients from food. In addition to the physical effects of the disease, mental health concerns are emerging; anxiety and depression are common among this population. Double lung transplants are the final option for patients with end-stage disease; most fatalities of people with CF are due to lung disease.
Cystic Fibrosis Canada
Cystic Fibrosis Canada has dramatically changed the cystic fibrosis story. We have advanced research and care that has more than doubled life expectancy. Since being founded by parents in 1960, Cystic Fibrosis Canada has grown into a leading organization with a central role engaging people living with cystic fibrosis, parents and caregivers, volunteers, researchers and healthcare professionals, government and donors. We work together to change lives for the more than 4,500 Canadian children and adults living with cystic fibrosis through treatments, research, information and support. Despite our remarkable progress together, we are not yet done. We will keep pushing, keep going further until all people with cystic fibrosis can and do experience – and enjoy - everything life has to offer. Learn more at www.cysticfibrosis.ca