THOUGHTS OF YOUNG PEOPLE dealing with a fatal disease followed us every step of the way during the Great Strides Walk for Cystic Fibrosis at Queen’s Park in New Westminster, BC, on Sunday, May 29th.
May is Cystic Fibrosis (CF) awareness month in my world. I was personally made aware of the condition several years ago when my daughter introduced me to a bright young gymnast and classmate named Amanda who became a close friend.
Amanda lived an active optimistic lifestyle despite the illness and bouts in the hospital. She passed away at age 24 leaving a huge imprint in our lives. In fact, the original printing of With My Umbrella, I Can … The Magical Journey of Penelope Puddle was dedicated to Amanda and her energetic spirit.
Management of the disease has improved significantly since CF was officially recognized in the 1930s. Hope for a cure refuses to fade for the surprisingly common genetic illness that affects mainly the lungs. Although life expectancy has increased, there is a great deal more to do. That's why some 500 people, sharing the same goal, worked their legs at the annual fundraiser.
Although the event last May was held at a different family friendly location, a great choice this year was Queen's Park. I haven't visited in quite a while and had forgotten how the mature trees reminded me of giant leafy umbrellas.
The weather was warm and the forest was the perfect setting not only to walk but to play. There were places to slide, swing and climb.
There was a craft table where children explored their artistic sides.
I realized nothing could top nature's art ...
when I saw the proud peacock nearby.
Its pretty feathers were eye-popping to say the least.
School children also entertained outdoors with plays, dance and song.
A pet with lovely long lashes (click photo for detail) dressed for the occasion.
This fellow was not at all sheepish about being touched.
The Petting Zoo included a pair of adorable piglets.
The sun glinted on the ripples the ducks made in the pond at the park.
It was fun to cool off in the water ...
especially when running through the blast of sprinklers.
The Rainbow Playland theme fit the fundraising mood ...
where a real pot of gold would be to find the cure for Cystic Fibrosis.
Postscript: Sept. 1, 2022
Since writing this piece great strides have, indeed, been made. Check out an article about a new medication that appears to be remarkably effective HERE.