Over 150 Take Great Strides to Overcome Cystic Fibrosis

One mother’s desire and determination to make a better life for her son and others that afflicted with cystic fibrosis was the focus of Rockland County’s Great Strides 2011 on Sunday, May 22. More than 150 people joined with Alison Place and her son Jimmy in the fourth annual walk-a-thon around the track at Albertus Magnus High School in Bardonia.

According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, CF is a life-threatening genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive systems of approximately 30,000 children and adults in the United States. 

But Jimmy was there to cut the ribbon to mark the start of the event.  Then with a DJ playing music to provide encouragement, Jimmy joined the walk to raise money to find a cure for CF.

Place exhibits a single-mindedness when it comes to overcoming cystic fibrosis. 

“I volunteered to take over the Rockland walk for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation last year and I became chairman of this event. I will do anything and everything to help my son and others by raising money for research to find a cure.”

“We have come a long way. There are promising medicines that are being tested," she said, "but at this point they are being taken by only a select few. It is important to me that I feel that I am doing my share with the foundation. Every year I love to do more. The turnouts at Albertus continue to get better. This year it is excellent.”

One thing is clear Jimmy received a lot of support from those people who turned out to continue the fight against CF.

“Jimmy is in our class and is a really great friend," said Bridget Gallion, a Chestnut Ridge resident and a student at Albertus Magnus.

“I volunteer for a lot of things," said Daniel Vila from Stony Point. "Just a few people donating a little time in their community can add up to a much larger impact.  And this is a good cause.”

Christine Dwyer of Pomona and a parishioner at St. Gregory’s pointed to a larger effort. 

“We are friends with one of the families whose son has cystic fibrosis.  A group of us are here from St. Gregory’s and our supporting these families.”

“I handled the logistics for today’s walk and worked with Allison on the fundraising, getting sponsors and creating awareness with individuals and corporations. Getting them interested in participating,” said Trina Fontaine, the senior project manager at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Greater New York Chapter in Purchase. “I am very excited that we have surpassed our goal of 150 walkers.”