CAMDEN — By the Camden News
Editorial Board
Jana Garcia’s recent presentation to the Kiwanis Club provided a timely reminder of the importance of funding research and support services for individuals battling cystic fibrosis.
Garcia shared the story of her daughter India, now a student as Arkansas State University, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at age four. The disease is hereditary, affecting most significantly the lungs and digestive system. The body produces thick and sticky mucus that can clog the lungs and obstruct the pancreas. Treatment has improved over the decades; in the 1950s, children with CF rarely lived long enough to attend elementary school, according to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Today, many with CF live long, fulfilled lives.
Garcia told the Kiwanis Club that the disease is an expensive one to fight, with India’s medication costing between $12,000 and $60,000 a month. In the U.S., more than 30,000 people are living with CF.
Camden can support research and support efforts through the annual Color Run, scheduled this year for March 21. The event will begin across the street from the Highland Golf Course in East Camden. This year’s color run will provide funding for two scholarships as well for a freshman college student and a student enrolled in a trade school. We encourage you to participate in the Color Run if you’re able to and donate money to a great cause. We thank Jana for sharing her and her daughter’s story.
In seven years, the group “Team India,” created by Jana, has raised more than $45,000. For more information about cystic fibrosis, visit cff.org.
The Camden News editorial board is comprised of general manager Robyn Yarbro and regional editor Caleb Slinkard. To contact the board, email [email protected].