OGDENSBURG -- The Central New York Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation announced the launch of Great Strides, a national walk held in hundreds of cities. Tens of thousands of walkers will participate in the events, including in Ogdensburg, where the Great Strides walk is scheduled on May 6 at 10 a.m. at the Dobisky Center.

Events like this during Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month generate critical funds to fight cystic fibrosis, an inherited fatal disease.

“Great Strides is key to raising funds for lifesaving efforts, and every walker who joins us makes a difference for people with cystic fibrosis,” said Amy Spranger, executive director of the CF Foundation’s Central New York Chapter. “We are making tremendous progress in fighting this devastating disease, and we are grateful for our volunteers and sponsors, who are a vital part of this effort.”

Funds raised through Great Strides have helped spur dramatic progress in the lives of those who have cystic fibrosis. Fifty years ago, most children with CF did not live long enough to attend elementary school. Today, people with CF are living into their 30s, 40s and beyond.

The 2017 national goal of Great Strides is to raise $40 million nationwide to help support CF research, education and care as part of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s mission to find a cure for all people with CF. Locally in Ogdensburg, the goal is to raise $49,000.

An estimated 33,000 adults and children in the United States and 75,000 people worldwide have cystic fibrosis. This disease affects several individuals in the North Country, and it causes debilitating lung infections that lead to premature death. More than 10 million Americans are symptomless carriers of a defective CF gene.

Great Strides, the CF Foundation’s largest national fundraiser, unites families, corporations, student groups and other dedicated friends with the common goal of finding a cure for cystic fibrosis. The CF Foundation is an accredited charity of the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance.

To help fight CF, get involved in Great Strides by calling the Central New York Chapter at 315-463-7965, or by visiting cff.org/greatstrides.