The battle against Cystic Fibrosis (CF) at Hunter Elementary still goes on. Just like it has for the past six years now at the school when a fellow classmate died from the disease back in 2014. The fight is in the form of a walk-a-thon fundraiser that was held Friday at the school this year.

The school held its annual CF Walk-A-Thon from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday. The event has been put on since 2014 when Hunter sixth grader Bethany Holder died from complications brought on by CF. Also, another former Hunter student, 14-year-old Bryanna Nelson, died from CF in 2015.

Hunter teachers and staff Amy Grubb and Loretta Hayes currently manage the walk-a-thon. Grubb has been putting on the event since it started, but Hayes replaced Amanda Barnett, who is no longer at the school.

“The passing of Bethany really opened our eyes to how prevalent CF is in this area,” said Grubb, who teaches fifth grade reading and language arts at Hunter. “I don’t thank any of us realized the severity of the disease until we lost Bethany. Years ago children rarely lived beyond the age of 5, but with the advances in science some are living into ages 40s, 50s and beyond.”

This year’s program began at Hunter First Baptist Church. The pledge of allegiance was led by CF survivor and 12-year-old Devon Weldon. Hayes gave a brief history of the fundraiser, which over the years has brought in close to $100,000. This total does not include the proceeds that were raised during Friday’s walk-a-thon.

Those in attendance also heard from Jolly Johnson, who is the Senior Development Director for the Knoxville Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Johnson informed the audience that because of the fundraising done by schools such as Hunter, there have been advances in science that have decreased the amount of treatment needed by CF sufferers and have increased their life expectancy.

“My hope and my determination is that we will have a cure for Cystic Fibrosis in my lifetime,” said Johnson. Ashley Summers, development manager for the Knoxville group, echoed this. Summers said CF prevents the body from being able to fight infections and can result in organ failure. This is what makes the condition lethal.

The actual walk-a-thon took place at the school’s track. Participants also received refreshments, face paintings, and ice cones.