Runners, riders and swimmers are being encouraged to donate their kilometres to an initiative sparked by a Port Stephens teenager and her family to raise awareness and funds for Cystic Fibrosis.
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The Sweat 4 CF initiative was born when an exercise bike was delivered to Mia Warren's room at John Hunter Hospital where she was receiving treatment for CF.
Mia, with help from friends, family and the wider community, is aiming to ride 32,000km, which is a round trip from Newcastle to US city Boston where a new CF drug called Trikafta, which has the ability to improve a patient's lung function, is being produced.
"This initiative is not just about raising funds. Our goal is to build awareness of the life-changing benefits of Trikafta and get it onto the PBS, and to advocate for thousands of Australians suffering from CF," Kent Warren, Mia's father, said.
"At first, Mia was reluctant to get on and ride so I encouraged her to ride the equivalent kilometres from Newcastle back home to Port Stephens, then to Sydney. Then the idea came to ride the equivalent kilometres to Boston, together, to bring Trikafta back to Australia for CF sufferers."
Mia was diagnosed with CF at 6 weeks old. Now 13 years old, Mia's condition continues to deteriorate, Mr Warren said. Sweat 4 CF has been running throughout May, during Cystic Fibrosis awareness month. So far, 12,500km has been achieved.
Mia is encouraging the public to help her hit the 32,000km target by riding, running, walking or paddling and 'donating' their kilometres.
For more information on how to be part of the initiative, see the Sweat 4 CF Facebook page.
