Traci Frye might need a new pair of sneakers after April 27. Frye (senior-psychology) along with many others across the Centre Region will walk 10 kilometers to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Frye is connected with the foundation for very personal reasons. Her father died of the disease six years ago and her uncle passed away six months ago from it. Cystic Fibrosis affects 30,000 people in the United States. It is a genetic disease and one in every 28 people is a carrier, Frye said. Frye's aunt was previously involved in an "aerobics-thon" to raise money, but Frye was too young to participate.

"I've been wanting to get involved for a long time but did not have the opportunity," she said.

During the winter break she contacted Lisa Schlager, executive director of the central Pennsylvania chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

"Quite frankly we are honored that she wants to participate," Schlager said. "We are thrilled that she wants to spread the awareness of what CF is, especially because it hit so close to home for her." This is State College's third year participating in the walk. The monetary goal for the town is $13,000, Schlager said. The walk begins at Sunset Park, goes throughout State College and ends up back in Sunset Park, where there will be a picnic and entertainment for the children. She is also planning a bake sale and possible canning to raise additional funds. Denise Bean of Bellefonte is consistently a top fundraiser for the walk. Another way she raises money and involves more community members is by a letter campaign, in which mail is sent out asking for sponsors and for people to walk. She collects between $3,000 and $4,000 each year. Bean found the best responses come when she includes a picture of her son who is suffering from Cystic Fibrosis.

"I've just sent my letters out a couple of weeks ago, and I already got $900 back," Bean said. Even though the walk is the weekend before finals, Frye is confident of a large turnout because she has been convincing others to walk by putting them in her shoes.

"I share my story with them how important it is to me. And it's a great study break," she said. Frye wants to do as much as possible to raise awareness and get people involved in fundraisers for Cystic Fibrosis. She is thinking about organizing a volleyball tournament and doing a 5K run. Eventually she would like to participate in a 26-mile marathon. Frye is pulling in friends and family from Harrisburg and Indiana, Pa for this event.

Schlager is expecting a great turnout for the walk.

"It's always a success as far as participation and money," she said. "But it can always grow. Growth is great."

People like Frye whose lives have been personally effected by Cystic Fibrosis are especially active.

"Having two family members who had CF made me realize the importance of any function that raises money for people with various illnesses."