GREAT STRIDES turned 20 this year, and there's plenty to celebrate! Walkers turned out in droves from Seattle to South Florida during April and May.

"Nothing says 'We can-and will-find a cure' like GREAT STRIDES," says Cystic Fibrosis Foundation President and CEO Robert J. Beall, Ph.D. "This year's turnout was bigger and better than ever."

Palm Beach County walks took place in Wellington, Lake Worth, and Jupiter. Deena and Matt Schutz chaired the April 26 th event at Binks Forest Golf Club; Lake Worth Police Chief William Smith and Marcos Gonzalez led the charge at John Prince Park on May 3 rd; and Senator Jeff Atwater served as honorary chairman of GREAT STRIDES held at Carlin Park on May 17. Principal sponsors for 2008 included American Airlines, Solvay, Novartis, Walmart, Crispers, and Gonzalez Porcher Albear & Garcia.

GREAT STRIDES 2008 was all about optimism-about how local volunteers and staff are more positive than ever that 'CF' will soon stand for Cure Found. The area total raised for cystic fibrosis research topped $150,000. GREAT STRIDES is far from over, however, as fund-raising continues throughout the year.