Family Seeks Support in Cystic Fibrosis Walk

The Maguire family of Lake Forest, whose 4-year-old daughter, Claire, has cystic fibrosis, is reaching out to the community to support "Team Claire for a Cure" in the annual Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides Walk on May 19 at Gillson Park in Wilmette.

Claire Maguire was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis shortly after her birth in April 2009. According to the family's blog, a State of Illinois newborn screening test identified that Claire was positive for the disease. The diagnosis was confirmed at  Chicago’s Children's Memorial Hospital via a sweat test.

The family says on their blog that Claire has experienced setbacks including weight loss and time away from school for treatments, she still enjoys many of the same activities as other children. Read more about Claire's story and progress at http://themaguireclan.blogspot.com/.

Residents can show their support by walking and/or making a donation to Team Claire for the Cure. Click here for more information.

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States and 70,000 worldwide. A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs, obstructs the pancreas and can lead to life-threatening infections, according to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.