The Winnipeg chapter of Cystic Fibrosis Canada is hosting the city’s first Princess Ball. The event raises awareness and funds for cystic fibrosis. Children and adults can be royalty for a day at the Fort Garry Crystal Ballroom. Tickets are available online.
Joan Bechtel organized the event in honour of her daughter Jessie, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when she was six weeks old. Jessie died from the disease seven years ago.
"This is held in memory of her. And that's why I'm doing it, to honour her. Because it's something that she would have loved," said Bechtel.
Sixteen year old Kayla Hodgins lives with the disease. She’s a youth ambassador with Cystic Fibrosis Canada, and will be attending the Princess Ball. She says her rigorous medical routine prevents her from staying out as late as she’d like with her friends.
“It’s pretty difficult going day to day. Doing about an hour to an hour and 45 minutes of meds each day, morning and night,” said Hodgins.
Cystic Fibrosis Canada says an estimated one in every 3,600 children born in Canada has the disease. It says cystic fibrosis is the most common fatal genetic disease affecting Canadian children and youth.
