The annual Great Strides Walk begins at 8 a.m., Saturday, May 16 at Lynn Eusan Park on the UH campus.
Sponsored by the UH department of health and human performance, the three-mile walk through the UH campus raises money for CF, an inherited, chronic lung and digestive system disease that affects nearly 30,000 children and adults. A defective gene causes the body to produce thick mucus that clogs the lungs and prevents the body's normal absorption of food and nutrients.
"Our department is proud to be a part of this important effort," said Charles Layne, professor and department chair. "Our faculty and students are concerned with and eager to promote health and fitness. It's events like this that lead to the constantly improving life expectancy of CF patients."
Last year more than 750 walkers participated in the event that raised more than $730,000 for cystic fibrosis research. The majority of the funds remain in the Houston area. Neighborhood residents, community clubs and organizations, friends and families are encouraged to walk together.
"Great Strides is the Texas Gulf Coast Chapter's largest and most family-driven event," said Sissy Boyd with the local CF chapter. "We are thrilled to be back at the beautiful University of Houston campus for the third year. The valuable funds raised at Great Strides will be wisely invested in science that one day, hopefully soon, will deliver the cure or control for cystic fibrosis."
Walkers will begin at Lynn Eusan Park and weave through the park-like campus. The day also includes food and other festivities such as a Kids' Corner with family-fun activities. Individuals may register at http://www.cff.org/great_strides/or the day of the event.
For more information, visit http://www.cff.org/Chapters/txgulf/greatstrides/.
| WHAT: | Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides Walk, sponsored by UH department of Health and Human Performance |
| WHEN: | 8 a.m., Saturday, May 16 |
| WHERE: | University of Houston, Lynn Eusan Park |
For directions and parking information please visit http://www.uh.edu/campus_map/buildings/LEP.php