Taking great strides for a cure

For as long as Alexis Collins can remember, being sick has been a part of her life.

Collins, 14, of Norman, and her sister, Courtney, 10, both have cystic fibrosis, a disease that affects their lungs and digestive systems.

"I was diagnosed at 14 months old," Alexis said. "Hospitalizations, medicines and treatments have always been a part of our lives, but so have 4-H, swim practices and hanging out with friends. We are leading as normal lives as possible."

On Saturday afternoon, the Collinses served as ambassadors for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in Jackson County's inaugural Great Strides Walk to cure cystic fibrosis.

"We hope our fundraising efforts will soon lead scientists to find a cure," Alexis said.

The Collins family created the team Pooh Bug Walkers to help raise money for and awareness of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Pooh and Bug are the girls' nicknames.

"We've been walking for 12 years now, but we always had to do it in Louisville," Anita Collins, the girls' mother, said. "We are so excited to be able to help start the event here in Jackson County."

More than 10 teams signed up to take part in the walk, held at the Seymour Middle School track.

Not knowing what to expect for a first-time event, organizers set a goal of raising $20,000. They far surpassed that amount, bringing in more than $42,000.

With the help of friends and family as well as Lutheran Central School in Brownstown, the Collinses raised more than $10,000. LCS held a Cystic Fibrosis Day, raising nearly $2,000 for the Collins team. As a reward, the students got to turn their principal, Nickie Isaacs, into a "human sundae."

"We've been working since February and have done several fundraisers," Anita said. "We've really had a lot of support."

She said the walk is more than just a fundraiser, though.

"We know it's bringing us closer to a cure," Anita said. "The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is helping our girls and everyone else with this disease live longer lives and have a better quality of life, which is so important."

Also taking part in the walk was Megan Cravens, 11, of Seymour. Cravens was diagnosed with the disease at birth, but like the Collinses, stays active by participating in a variety of activities.

Cravens' teachers and classmates at Seymour-Redding Elementary School, as well as some from Seymour-Jackson Elementary School, showed their support by forming the team Megan's Mod Squad. They held a fundraiser with a '60s theme and brought in more than $1,400 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Cravens' fifth-grade-teacher, Sandy Mellencamp, said.

"We had special dress-up days and sold peace necklaces and flower power pens," she added. "The kids had a lot of fun with it and we just wanted to do something special for Megan because she is so special to us."

Mellencamp said Megan is not only a good student but has a positive attitude about life.

"Megan's the student that complains the least," Mellencamp said. "I don't ever remember her complaining. She's always happy."

Rachel Cravens, Megan's mother, said she was thankful for all those who donated to the cause and supported the walk.

"It touches my heart to see everyone here," she said. "None of this would have been possible without all of you."

When Megan was diagnosed with CF, Rachel said she didn't think her daughter would live long.

"I was scared to death," she said. "I thought there was no hope. But all of you have helped make that hope possible and one day CF will stand for ‘cure found.'"

Steve and Laurie Windley of Seymour decided to get involved with the walk after their son, Parker, 5, was diagnosed with CF last year.

Recruiting a number of family and friends, the Windleys formed the team Parker's Rangers.

"It's fantastic to have an event locally," Steve said. "It's a good opportunity for us to meet other families who are dealing with cystic fibrosis."

Windley said although Parker has to do breathing treatments and take enzymes to help him digest his food, the little boy handles it well.

"He's very patient and we try to make a game out of his treatments," Steve said. "It really affects everyone differently. We know we have to do a lot to prevent infection, but he handles it all fine."

Another family participating in Saturday's walk were the Caudills of North Vernon, in support of 6-year-old Brianna Caudill. They formed the Brianna's Angels team.

"This is just a great opportunity to spread awareness," Brianna's mother, Robin Caudill, said. "We're glad to see so many people here helping us fight cystic fibrosis and find a cure."