Local Residents Lead the Way at Breath of Life Walk.
South Bay lung disease patients among hundreds supporting Breathe California’s annual drive to fight lung disease
Saratoga, Calif. – On October 6th, people from across the Bay Area gave up their usual Saturday morning activities as they converged on West Valley College for the Breath of Life Walk. The event was a strong success, with approximately 300 local residents in attendance and more than $50,000 raised to-date. Yet, the real drive behind the event came from the many walkers who have had to battle lung disease themselves.
“I never dreamed of anything like this happening to me and my family - no one does,” said walker Debbie Davis, whose 4-year-old daughter Sonja has undergone three surgeries in an attempt to relieve her respiratory symptoms. “While Sonja’s symptoms have started to improve, I’ll never forget the sleepless nights in the hospital, feeling powerless and ubable to take away her pain. That’s why our family is walking in the Breath of Life Walk – to support local programs, services and research in the Bay Area that can offer hope and assistance to families like mine.”
The Breath of Life Walk is an annual fundraiser hosted by Breathe California to raise money for a wide array of local lung disease education, prevention, research and patient assistance programs. Residents from around the Bay Area are encouraged to form teams and collect pledges in honor of their efforts. In addition, 100% of the money raised remains here in the Bay Area to ensure that local residents can breathe easier.
Nobody understands the importance of these local programs better than 8-year-old walker Faithy Limon, who has had to confront her own challenges with asthma. First diagnosed when she was just 2 years old, Faithy has spent most of her life suffering from frequent attacks and trying different medications and inhalers to treat her condition. However, things started to turn around this summer when she attended Breathe California’s asthma camp.
“Because of the things I learned at asthma camp, I was able to have fun this summer doing many activities and NOT worrying about having asthma attacks,” said Faithy who walked with her family team Walk of Faith. “I’m also now taking hip hop and gymnastics classes with my sister. I wanted to walk in the Breath of Life Walk because it will help allow kids like me to go to camps and learn about asthma.”
In addition to the leisurely 5K (3.1 mile) walk, the event featured a festive atmosphere that the whole family could enjoy. Walkers were invited to enjoy breakfast provided by Fresh Choice, music on-site from KRTY 95.3 FM and a number of interactive health displays and booths. Furthermore, walkers could qualify for a number of fundraising incentive prizes as well as win prizes like a Palm Treo through the event’s raffle and silent auction.
Breathe California would like to thank the Breath of Life Walk’s lead sponsor - Kaiser Permanente - as well as Sepracor, Fresh Choice, CBS 5/The CW Bay Area, KRTY 95.3 FM and Silicon Valley Community Newspapers for their generous support of the walk.
Media Contact: Dave Low
(408) 998-5865, david@lungsrus.org