Walk to Fight Cystic Fibrosis

Drazen Seslija

In May 2026, Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, the Outaouais region will come together on May 31 2026 for the “Make Cystic Fibrosis History” Walk, a national event organized by Cystic Fibrosis Canada to raise awareness, celebrate the resilience of people living with the disease and their loved ones, and raise funds. Funds raised during the walk will support research, improved care, and access to treatments for people living with the disease.

This year, the walk will take place at Dalton Farm Park in Gatineau. The event is coordinated by a committee of volunteers who work year-round to rally families, friends, and partners around this cause.

What is cystic fibrosis?

It is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the respiratory and digestive systems. It causes the production of thick mucus that prevents the lungs and pancreas from functioning properly. There are several forms of the disease, ranging from mild to severe, each affecting the person with the condition in different ways.

In Quebec, it is estimated that 1 in 2,500 children is born with cystic fibrosis. (Source: Government of Quebec)

Here is some important information for the walk on Sunday, May 31:

Location: Parc de la Ferme-Dalton (199 Mont Dalton, Gatineau).

Registration: on-site at 10:30 a.m.

Walk start time: 11:30 a.m.

Route: choice of routes ranging from 1 to 4 km.

Parking: available (near Montée Dalton).

Dogs: not allowed.

On-site activities:

Face painting for children starting at 11 a.m.

Warm-up exercises before the walk.

“Superhero” booth (selling cookies, lemonade, and candy).

Door prizes.

Food: pizza available for purchase on-site (credit/debit/cash).

In Quebec, cystic fibrosis remains a significant reality despite medical advances in recent years. According to the organizers, the province is home to nearly 30% of the Canadian population living with this genetic disease. In some regions, up to one in fifteen people is a carrier of the gene associated with cystic fibrosis, a rate higher than the national average. The organizers note that the event also aims to raise public awareness and maintain momentum around health equity issues.

Donations

Donations help advance cystic fibrosis research to achieve new breakthroughs in treatment, helping those who cannot benefit from currently available medications and improving care and treatments for people living with the disease.

To donate, visit the Gatineau Walk website at:

https://marche-fibrosekystiquecanada.crowdchange.ca/128167/donate