ESTEVAN - The members of Team McIntyre Family and Friends have long been strong Estevan advocates for the fight against cystic fibrosis (CF) – creating awareness about the disease and raising funds through Estevan's annual Fight to Make CF History, which they organize each year.
Now the McIntyres have been recognized for their efforts with Cystic Fibrosis Canada's Mila Mulroney Award for Western Canada. The honour is presented to families who have a child affected by CF, and also make contributions to the fight against the disease.
Raelene Fieber nominated the McIntryes for the award. They were informed in early January about the honour but couldn't let anyone know until last week. They will receive the award at a ceremony later this year.
Kasey McIntyre, who became involved in the fight against CF alongside her husband Ken because their son Liam has CF, noted the walk has raised $89,988 in its 10-year history in Estevan. It was initially brought to the Energy City by the Estevan Kinette Club, and the McIntyres took over the organization to ensure it would continue.
"It's nice to know how much it has grown since it started to now, over the years," said McIntyre.
Last year's walk raised $16,900 for Cystic Fibrosis Canada – the best total yet. McIntyre is quick to point out that Fieber, a member of the Kinettes, continues to help out with the organization.
"We're so pleased to see it grow year after year on a level where we're being seen nationally. That's something that's really awesome."
She added it's nice to see an award for all those who have been part of Team McIntyre Family and Friends.
"They believe in that vision, that journey that my husband Ken and I have of a world where CF stands for Cure Found. It's evident in every year how the work has been more and more successful," McIntyre said.
She also organized Estevan's Princess and Superheroes Ball with the Kinettes as a fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis Canada.
The walk will return this year on May 25. Registration opens on Feb. 28, which McIntyre said is National Rare Disease Day.
Mulroney is the widow of former prime minister Brian Mulroney. She is an advocate for people with disabilities and sits on the board of CF Canada.
