Walkers step up to stamp out disease
by Kelly Feser Eells

Great Strides for Cystic Fibrosis, an annual "walk to cure cystic fibrosis," is in its 12th year nationally, and its third year in Ojai, where it is enthusiastically coordinated by local residents Cathie and Steve Knapp
Since losing their spirited son, Dan, to the disease in 1998, the Knapps have been tireless Cystic Fibrosis Foundation supporters, beginning with their founding of "Dan's Room," a program offering critically ill children a "window to the outside world" through donated computers, and continuing with Great Strides Ojai 2002, in memory of Dan Knapp.
This year's walk is on June 1, at Lake Casitas, with registration starting at 9 a.m. and the walk itself starting at 10 a.m. "Kick off the summer by joining us for a day of fun," Cathie urges, pointing out that, in addition to the event's popular tri-tip and chicken barbecue, "we've added a silent auction to the day's activities," featuring gift certificates, concert tickets, Turf Club passes, a weekend getaway package, and more.
"There's also a trivia contest, and Ojai's Dr. Chris Landon (Ventura County Medical Center's director of pediatrics) will captain a pontoon boat to give walker families rides around the lake. It's going to be our greatest Great Strides ever!"
Landon, who is serving as this year's Great Strides honorary chair, reports that, while Great Strides Ojai raised $9,000 in 2000, it tripled that amount in 2001, raising more than $27,000, "with 98 cents of every dollar going directly to cystic fibrosis research and care.
"Our goal for Great Strides Ojai 2002 is $45,000. And we can meet this goal with your support!"
Recently ranked by the Wall Street Journal's Smart Money magazine as one of the top 10 national charities, Landon adds that he is proud to serve a foundation "that has received such recognition, and that will continue to pay big dividends in terms of medical advances."
Cystic fibrosis is this country's No. 1 genetic killer of children and young adults; while there currently is no cure, the CFF is increasingly optimistic about finding one in the near future.
There are a lot of "wonderful people that come out to walk for a cure," Cathie smiles. To join them, please contact the Knapps at 640-8556 or mendak01@sprynet.com.
Registration is also available via www.cff.org/greatstrides.
To help sponsor a walker or otherwise participate, make checks payable to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and mail to: Great Strides Ojai, c/o Cathie and Steve Knapp, 1975 Maricopa Highway, #46, Ojai, CA 93023.
"As last year, Danny will be with us in spirit. He is the wind beneath our wings!"

© 2002 The Ojai Valley News

Back to the news