In conjunction with National Respiratory Care Week, Beauregard Memorial Hospital's Cardiopulmonary Department is sponsoring  a "Great Strides Walk" for Cystic Fibrosis  at 9 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 25.

The event will be held at DeRidder West Park and will benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in their efforts to find a cure for the disease.

Every day, approximately three babies are born with CF in this country, and every day at least one person with CF dies.

Help is urgently needed to ensure that the rapid pace of CF research continues. "By investing in CF research, you are investing in the lives of those with the disease. Working together, we can give children and young adults with CF the quality of life and the future they deserve," stated Debbie Wolff, Respiratory Therapist at BMH and Chairperson for the event.

Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. In the 1950s, few children with cystic fibrosis lived to attend elementary school. Today, advances in research and

medical treatments have extended life for those with CF. Many people with the disease can now expect to live into their 30s and beyond.

The community is invited to join BMH this Saturday, for fun and exercise, as coordinators seek to raise money for a great cause. Those interested in participating should contact Debbie Wolff at 462-7344 for more information.