UPDATE: The event mentioned below has been postponed until 2011. Organizers continue to look for sponsors for the dog race and are looking forward to putting on a outstanding event next year. Please see the Web site, http://www.sanjuanstagerace.com/, for further information.

About two years ago, my in-laws called to inform us that our niece, 3 years old at the time, had been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. Like many, we had no idea what this disease was or what it meant for her.

From the Web site for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, we learned this: ”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. A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections.”

My brother- and sister-in-law were both carriers of the CF gene but had no idea.

Fifty years ago, people with CF rarely lived past childhood. But advances in medicine have helped them routinely live into their 30s and 40s. But the treatments that have vastly improved the quality of life and life expectancy of CF sufferers aren’t cheap or easy. Twice a day for around 30 minutes my niece dons a custom-made vibrating vest that helps keep her lungs clear but cost more than $10,000. Every meal she takes a fistful of medications. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has been a source of tremendous support for her and her family.

Libby Riddles

Later this month, a major mushing event will come to our area with some of the proceeds going to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

San Juan Stage Racing, Feb. 24-28, will hold two stages in Mancos, one in Silverton, and one on Hermosa Creek Road at Durango Mountain Resort. Organizers are keenly interested in finding sponsors to make this event as successful as possible. Last week, Libby Riddles, the first woman to win the Iditarod Sled Dog Race, was in town to help raise money for event. Whether you give or attend, this race is worth paying attention to.