Nipissing University students were out in force Saturday carrying groceries, washing cars and collecting money in support of Cystic Fibrosis research for the annual Shinerama campaign.
Hundreds of students taking part in the Nipissing University Student Union's (NUSU) Frosh Week raised $9,733 at 13 locations around North Bay and online.
For Charlotte Foster, NUSU VP Advocacy & Awareness and Shine Day co-coordinator, it is a bit more personal. Charlotte's sibling Vicky lives with Cystic Fibrosis.
"Participating in Shinerama is extremely important to me as it means my younger sibling, and others with CF, get a chance at a healthier life and one day a cure."
Vicky, like many people who have Cystic Fibrosis, takes up to 25 pills a day. Students were able to hear Vicky's story and how vital funding is in helping find a cure.
"The community has been incredible at financially supporting our annual Shinerama campaign," said Sarah McGowan, NUSU Director of Communications. "It is something that many of our Frosh look forward to participating in each year, and they also bring awareness of what people living with CF face day-to-day."
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the most common fatal genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults. At present, there is no cure. According to research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, people with cystic fibrosis are living to a median age of 50.9 years in Canada, compared with 40.6 years in the U.S.
NUSU will still be accepting donations online for the month of September here.
