Hundreds of people filled downtown West Palm Beach to walk for cystic fibrosis, a disorder that affects about 150 people in Palm Beach County. They’re also setting a world record in a brand new way.
A sea of blue hippity-hop balls raised awareness for cystic fibrosis to help find a cure for kids like 7-year-old Evan Del Valle.
“I have to do a nebulizer and i have to like eat some pills,” explained Evan.
Realities of life that he takes in stride.
“I can sit on my iPad when i do it,” explained Evan. “It's kind of relaxing.”
His mom, Lindsey, and her team raised over $16,000. Money she hopes will make a difference for Evan and so many others.
“When he saw how much money we raised, he said that was all for me?” said Lindsey Del Valle, as tears welled in her eyes. “As a mom, it touches you and breaks your heart at the same time.”
More than 500 people walked along Flagler Drive to take a stand against cystic fibrosis and to support every family that struggles with it each day.
“Not too long ago kids weren't living even to elementary school,” said Chanda Fuller, the executive director of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Palm Beach County. “And today they're living into their thirties.”
“One thing the disease has shown me is people are so good, so kind and generous, and I'm so humbled by everything people have done for us,” said Lindsey Del Valle.
Over $100,000 was raised today for research and to help find a cure for cystic fibrosis. Fuller says 46 drugs are currently being researched to treat the disorder.