Every year, we get together for the fun walk run to raise the awareness of Cystic Fibrosis [CF]. We look forward to it and with the anticipation it brings we get excited about it. It truly has been a fun event that continues to grow. 

Walking recently and encountering some uphill terrain, it made those of us walking breathe a bit more heavily, our breathing was a bit more laboured as we trudged along. It was then the thought hit me...

What is it like for someone with CF to not be doing any kind of activity and they experience laboured breathing? Someone with CF has to get their chest tapped, take expensive medications, and seek medical treatment for something that should come to them normally. Yet while they are on dry land, they feel as if they're drowning. 

There are a number of people in Barbados who have CF who for them trying to grasp a breath, get nutrients from their food, and taking a buffet of medication has been and continued to be their daily routine. 

Thankfully, one of our eldest sufferers is progressing through school and we have recognized that soon they will enter college/workforce. The challenges then change since while growing it took the salaries of two parents and supportive insurance companies to keep them alive, while barely making ends meet. That changes as they enter the workforce, parents retire/age or just are unable to work any longer. How can we ensure that this CF sufferer has a quality of life where their healthcare is not forced into a state of compromise to CF which is deadly? 

When you walk/run this year, encourage others to participate. Can each one bring at least one? Even though we will walk/run, see old friends, meet new acquaintances, we must keep the opportunity to build awareness in the forefront of what we do. 

We are The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Barbados, taking on the life-changing experiences of living with CF. We intend to remain committed to what we do since we are Aware to Care! 

Please register early and encourage others to do the same. Let's make this the biggest one ever on July 7, 2018. Details are on the website. and within social media.