May is Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month
In support of its cystic fibrosis charitable partners, CARSTAR is helping to bring cystic fibrosis to the forefront this May by raising awareness this genetic disease with no cure.
The CARSTAR and cystic fibrosis affiliation all started when Victoria, granddaughter of Harry Belmont, previous CARSTAR Mississauga Hawkestone owner, received a cystic fibrosis diagnosis in 1997. At that time, the life expectancy of someone living with cystic fibrosis was 30.
Over the course of the more than 20-year partnership, franchise partners, vendors and community supporters helped CARSTAR raise over $3.7 million for cystic fibrosis research, care and advocacy. These funds make a tremendous impact, proof being that the life expectancy of someone living with cystic fibrosis is now 53.3 in Canada and 47 in the U.S.
“I have come a long way since my initial diagnosis, but just like any other 21-year-old, living away from family, working and going to school, is not always easy,” says Victoria. “My family has been incredibly supportive of me, and the fact that my grandfather’s legacy cause is still supported by CARSTAR to this day is motivation for me to keep pushing forward.”
CARSTAR is about to kick off its annual Shine Month, which takes place every June. Shine Month is a time when CARSTAR franchise partners from across North America dedicate time to fundraise for both Cystic Fibrosis Canada and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
“Since 1997, when our partnership first began, CARSTAR franchise partners from across Canada, and most recently the U.S., strive to raise funds that will hopefully lead to a cure for Victoria and others just like her who are living with cystic fibrosis,” says Michael Macaluso, President, CARSTAR. “We have challenged our network to raise over $400,000 for the fight against cystic fibrosis this year, and the energy we are already seeing behind this year’s Shine Month has me confident our franchise partners will exceed this goal.”
Join CARSTAR at the Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History on May 26 or contribute to our team here! Additionally, you can get your car washed in support of cystic fibrosis at our annual Soaps It Up car washes in June. Find a participating location near you, on following link!