Grand National Steeplechase Luncheon to Benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

BALTIMORE, MD. - The Maryland Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation announces details for its annual benefit luncheon and party sponsored by Outstanding Corporate Sponsor, American Airlines, set to take place during the 109th running of the Grand National Steeplechase on April 23, 2011 from noon to 5 p.m.

A true Maryland tradition, the Grand National Steeplechase is held annually in April and features races throughout the afternoon, drawing a crowd of more than 5,000. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation hosts the luncheon and party beginning at noon featuring live music, hot buffet and an exclusive silent and live auction, all held under a tent offering prime views of the racecourse grounds. Last year more than 300 attended the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation luncheon and party. Activities for children include sports and equestrian-themed arts and crafts.

Chairmen for the event are Joseph Shagena, Chris Brown, and Nick Travelstead who oversee a volunteer committee of more than 20 and are currently making arrangements for the annual outdoor event held in the hunt country of Butler, Maryland. The event takes place on a farm along Butler Road, a mile west of Falls Road in Baltimore County.

About Cystic Fibrosis and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease that affects approximately 30,000 people in the United States. A defective gene causes the body to produce an abnormal protein that leads to the build-up of thick, sticky mucus in the lungs and pancreas. This abnormal mucus results in chronic and life-threatening lung-infections and impairs digestion. When the CF Foundation was created in 1955, few children lived to attend elementary school. Today, because of research and care supported by the CF Foundation with money raised from donations from individuals, corporations and foundations, the median age of survival for people with CF is now 37 years. The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is to assure the development of the means to cure and control CF and to improve the quality of life for those with the disease, and continues to be one of the most effective and efficient organizations of its kind. For more information on CF and the CF Foundation, call (800) FIGHT CF or visit: www.cff.org.

Because of risks to people with cystic fibrosis (CF), individuals with a confirmed sputum culture for Burkholderia cepacia complex shall not attend this event. This is because B. cepacia can be passed between individuals who have CF through close proximity. B. cepacia infection in a person with CF can cause serious respiratory illness and, in some patients, may lead to death. Despite this policy, there might be some individuals with B. cepacia in attendance. B. cepacia is not a risk for otherwise healthy individuals. For alternative ways to participate and for information about this policy, please contact the CF Foundation at 800-Fight-CF or visit our website at www.cff.org. Consult your CF Care Center physician with medical questions.