Great Strides

[Alyssa]

Call your local chapter (I think you can find that info out on the CFF website) They should be able to tell you how long the walk is.

The walk in Seattle is around 3 miles. We have done the walk for the last two years -- as the other poster mentioned, it's pretty hard to identify who has CF and who doesn't -- believe it or not, I never saw/heard a single person coughing either year. Last year my daughter struck up a conversation with another girl her age with CF -- they walked and talked together for 10-15 minute or so (they both were knowledgeable about cross contamination concerns, but walking out doors for a few minutes was not a big deal for anyone)

My advice would be to just follow the same common sense and cross contamination guidelines that you always do (don't cough on each other, 3 foot rule, no hugging or kissing) -- being outside helps too -- it is the only event that the CFF says it's OK for those with CF to attend together.

Have fun !

 

[Ratatosk]

When we first started walking, ds was only 11 months old and stayed in his stroller the entire time. Second time he wasn't the only toddler wcf, but the only child who played on the park equipment. Last year -- a total free-for-all -- LOTS and LOTS of kids playing on the playground, several with CF. I wasn't comfortable with the situation, so this year we're considering leaving him with grandpa 'cuz he'll have a TOTAL fit about not being able to play on the equipment. He's a very social guy, always touching people, also digging in his nose -- he'd be unhappy and I'd be a nervous wreck. Problem is the local CF clinic encourage interaction and many aren't educated about cross contamination. DS has cultured pseudo & hib in the past, but I know several of the local cfers culture staph and some other bugs.

Also, consider the types of food they offer. Sometimes it's individually wrapped snacks & sandwiches. But we've also had breads from breadsmith, donuts & pizza and some people aren't great about washing hands or using sanitizer -- especially at a park shelter.

 

[Ratatosk]

When we first started walking, ds was only 11 months old and stayed in his stroller the entire time. Second time he wasn't the only toddler wcf, but the only child who played on the park equipment. Last year -- a total free-for-all -- LOTS and LOTS of kids playing on the playground, several with CF. I wasn't comfortable with the situation, so this year we're considering leaving him with grandpa 'cuz he'll have a TOTAL fit about not being able to play on the equipment. He's a very social guy, always touching people, also digging in his nose -- he'd be unhappy and I'd be a nervous wreck. Problem is the local CF clinic encourage interaction and many aren't educated about cross contamination. DS has cultured pseudo & hib in the past, but I know several of the local cfers culture staph and some other bugs.

Also, consider the types of food they offer. Sometimes it's individually wrapped snacks & sandwiches. But we've also had breads from breadsmith, donuts & pizza and some people aren't great about washing hands or using sanitizer -- especially at a park shelter.

 

[Ratatosk]

When we first started walking, ds was only 11 months old and stayed in his stroller the entire time. Second time he wasn't the only toddler wcf, but the only child who played on the park equipment. Last year -- a total free-for-all -- LOTS and LOTS of kids playing on the playground, several with CF. I wasn't comfortable with the situation, so this year we're considering leaving him with grandpa 'cuz he'll have a TOTAL fit about not being able to play on the equipment. He's a very social guy, always touching people, also digging in his nose -- he'd be unhappy and I'd be a nervous wreck. Problem is the local CF clinic encourage interaction and many aren't educated about cross contamination. DS has cultured pseudo & hib in the past, but I know several of the local cfers culture staph and some other bugs.

Also, consider the types of food they offer. Sometimes it's individually wrapped snacks & sandwiches. But we've also had breads from breadsmith, donuts & pizza and some people aren't great about washing hands or using sanitizer -- especially at a park shelter.

 

[damiensmom]

I have to say, I am not crazy about bringing Damien. He is also knuckle high in his nose 75% of the time,and loves and wants to touch all the kids. He will want to walk and play. I will take him. And bring the stroller for when he gets tired. We will have a meaningfull and fun day! He will have 1 day that he can be around kids, he will be able to identify with. Of course keeping In mind cross contamination issues. I look forward to it. <img src="i/expressions/heart.gif" border="0">

 

[damiensmom]

I have to say, I am not crazy about bringing Damien. He is also knuckle high in his nose 75% of the time,and loves and wants to touch all the kids. He will want to walk and play. I will take him. And bring the stroller for when he gets tired. We will have a meaningfull and fun day! He will have 1 day that he can be around kids, he will be able to identify with. Of course keeping In mind cross contamination issues. I look forward to it. <img src="i/expressions/heart.gif" border="0">

 

[damiensmom]

I have to say, I am not crazy about bringing Damien. He is also knuckle high in his nose 75% of the time,and loves and wants to touch all the kids. He will want to walk and play. I will take him. And bring the stroller for when he gets tired. We will have a meaningfull and fun day! He will have 1 day that he can be around kids, he will be able to identify with. Of course keeping In mind cross contamination issues. I look forward to it. <img src="i/expressions/heart.gif" border="0">