Cystic Fibrosis Canada hosts Kites in Flight celebration to raise awareness of CF

Cystic Fibrosis Canada hosts "Kites in Flight" celebration at the Toronto Eaton Centre to mark new era in fight against cystic fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis Canada (formerly known as the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation) is changing its look to increase awareness of the cause, and help Canadians with cystic fibrosis live longer, healthier lives.

Join Cystic Fibrosis Canada on Tuesday, February 1 at the Toronto Eaton Centre from 11:45am to 1 pm for the organization's re-launch celebrations. The festivities are being held on the third floor (ground level), outside of Sears and Roots. Members of the public are invited to spend a heart-warming afternoon with fellow Torontonians who battle this little-known disease every day.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common, fatal genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults. Cystic fibrosis affects breathing and digestion, there is no cure. 

Lovisa McCallum, a Toronto mother of an eight-year-old boy with the disease, knows first hand the devastation cystic fibrosis can cause. When her son Matthew was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis in 2002, Lovisa and her husband, David, were crushed.

After adjusting to the news, the McCallum family vowed to do their part in the fight against cystic fibrosis. Lovisa says she looks forward to sharing her family's story at the launch to raise awareness of her son's disease.

"As parents of a child with cystic fibrosis, we know that the battle against the disease is a race against time," said Lovisa. "However, I'm very hopeful for what the future holds, and am confident that Cystic Fibrosis Canada will help find a cure for CF in Matthew's lifetime."

Attendees can enjoy light refreshments and learn more about cystic fibrosis. A simulation exercise allows healthy people to experience what it's like to breathe when you have CF, and find out how they can make a difference.

"Cystic fibrosis remains a fatal, genetic disease. Our focus on research and finding a cure, while enhancing quality of life is crucial. I am certain that with strong support, we will help people with cystic fibrosis, like Matthew, live their dreams." said Maureen Adamson, newly-appointed CEO of Cystic Fibrosis Canada. "We invite all Canadians to help us build a new era of possibilities."