16-year-old Landon Dody and seven-year-old Aiden Dreier have both lived their entire lives with cystic fibrosis, but also a high level of support from the local community.
Tuesday night, that support was on full display with the 16th annual Laps 4 Landon event. The evening saw hundreds of local residents join members of the Emporia State University Health and Human Performance program and ESU student-athletes for games, prize drawings, face painting and so much more.
Dody says it’s been a unique experience to watch the event grow as he has grown over the years.
Dody adds he believes the event helps to create a “community of understanding” that can assist individuals or families who are also living with CF.
In addition to raising awareness for CF, the event also raises funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Amanda Dreier, the mother of Aiden Dreier, says much like those participating in the annual Laps 4 Landon walk Tuesday night, the CF Foundation is making tremendous strides towards finding a cure.
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that creates extremely thick mucus which can clog the lungs and obstruct the pancreas of those afflicted.
Fundraising totals are currently pending.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News
