La Feria Runs for Cystic Fibrosis Patients

“Great Strides” During 2nd Annual Event

The second 5-K run and 1-Mile Walk event held in La Feria last month was termed a great success by the event organizer, Reva Ayala. Reva is the Valley Coordinator for the National Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. She works in cooperation with the Lone Star Chapter based in San Antonio.

The work of organizing participation by local merchants, citizens and the City of La Feria for each year’s 5-K run and 1-Mile Walk is a work of love that is dear to her heart. You see, Reva is a well-known and respected, retired La Feria I.S.D elementary school teacher. She retired in 2011, only to find that her beloved little three-year-old granddaughter, Millana Olivarez, was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. It was suspected and diagnosed at birth.

This dreaded, progressive disease is a life-altering, progressive event for the patients as well as the family. Reva said that Millana is now in her 3rd year of Cystic Fibrosis. The good news is that through the efforts of that national C.F. organization, great strides are being made in successfully treating the condition,” she said. “My precious granddaughter is being treated daily with the latest advances, and is responding.. She is expected to live a normal life,” she added with a smile and a sigh.

The national foundation is a non-profit, research organization dedicated to finding a cure and better treatments for patients. Cystic Fibrosis is a malady caused by a defective gene that both parents must have. Even then, it is still a 50/50 % chance of getting the disease.

“In the case of my granddaughter, the numbers were stacked against her,” Grandma Ayala said.

Reva says she understands the plight and desperation of the families of young patients of the disease. “My heart goes out to them because I understand what they are going through,” she said. “That is why and how I sought out the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and got involved. I am doing what I can to help other families with the disease.”

Reva said she wanted to express her thanks for the support of the community during this 2nd fund-raising event in La Feria. She said that last year about 100 participants took place, and they raised $4,500 for the cause. This year, about 150 people actually took part in the 5-K run and the 1-Mile Walk. “We raised $6,500 to send to our national headquarters for more research and advancement,” she said. She also added that 100% of what is collected goes directly to the foundation.

“There are so many to thank,” Ayala said, “and I would like to start with the city of La Feria. “We were honored to have City Mayor Victor Gonzalez, Jr. welcome the crowd on behalf of the city. We thank him and the city administration for their enthusiastic support of this annual Cystic Fibrosis fund-raiser program.” she said.

She continued, adding: “H.E.B on Morgan Blvd in Harlingen sent several runners, walkers, bottled water and bananas; Rodeo Dental gave out dental hygiene packets; Little Lighthouse was there, as well as Clean Eating Kitchen with their muffins; P & D Rentals with entertainment and photos; L& F Distributors with bottled water; John Ftacek, State Farm agent, was there; Reddy Ice and their free ice; D.J. GOOD GIRL provided the music; Steve Solis of Channel Five was the Master of Ceremonies; Dr. Mario Sanchez and his staff were there; Greg Purcell of GWA; Javier Juarez of Farmers Insurance participated– a total of l4 people set up their information Booths,” she reported.

In addition, the La Feria I.S.D. raised $2000 and sent runners and walkers; Mikayla Johnson, Zumba Instructor, entertained: DLC Table and Chair Rental provided furniture; Marty Infante, photographer, donated pictures of the whole event from start to finish; Personal Touch Health Company gave out candies and other items.

Ayala concluded by saying, “We are so appreciative of all the loving support for the 5-K run and 1-mile walk that we plan to make it a bigger and better event every year.”

You can contact Reva Ayala for more information at [email protected] or 956 893-3488. National headquarters is www.cff.org.