by Cynthia Weifenbach, special correspondent for The Shelby Report
Angel Stadium in Southern California was ablaze with sports enthusiasts, families and friends as they came out to assist in raising funds to find a cure for those suffering from cystic fibrosis (CF) at the second annual Hike the Halo event on Sunday. The hike offered a challenging course designed by Lamarr Smith of Legendary Competitor for all levels, with field activities that made for an energizing and special experience. The event was enhanced when the grocery retail industry came out in force with a vendor village that offered free food and samples for all.
CF is a life-threatening disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the U.S. To date, there is no cure and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) receives no government funding. The foundation relies solely on its fundraising efforts and events.
Sue Klug of Unified Grocers explained that the CFF has made great strides toward finding a cure. Her daughter Shelby is now part of a Stage III clinical trial that is showing signs of addressing and correcting her specific genetic mutation. Klug shared an amazing breakthrough “that in the next 30 days Shelby will actually begin receiving the new drug that may well save her life.” That announcement was met with thunderous applause from approximately 1,000 people at Hike the Halo.
Sharing her experience with the disease, and often referencing “Star Wars,” 15-year-old Shelby said, “Living with CF is a daily struggle. But it seems like we are getting so close to finding a cure. I really appreciate all of the volunteers who come out and spend time and money to help us. I feel like there are a lot of people who care about me and about finding a cure for all kids with CF.”
Added Mike Shumard, executive director of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Orange County Office, “Hike the Halo is one of biggest Cystic Fibrosis climb events in the nation. We are so grateful to the hundreds of supporters from Team Albertsons and Team Shelby USA. It has been so fantastic to watch the retail food industry in Southern California come together and support this important cause. One day soon ‘CF’ will stand for ‘Cure Found.’ Thank you to our local food industry for being a part of it.”
In the feature photo at top: Cystic fibrosis sufferer Shelby Klug, 15, daughter of Unified Grocers’ Sue Klug, second from right, accepts a big check from Albertsons for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF). Initial reports indicate that Hike the Halo raised nearly $225,000 for CFF. Find more photos from the event here.
1 Comment