Davenport, April 2009 -  Randy & Amy Johnson of Orion, IL know the heartaches and challenges of being parents to a child with a fatal disease firsthand: their son, Dillon, 15 yrs old, suffers from the devastating disease cystic fibrosis.  "Although to look at Dillon, one would see a very normal, active 15 year old, but the reality is that combating the effects of cystic fibrosis and keeping him healthy involves daily medications and time consuming treatments to break up the mucus in his lungs and fight infections as well as enzyme pills to help him digest his food properly." said Johnson.

CF is a genetic disease that affects tens of thousands of children and adults in the United States.  More than ten million Americans are unknowing, symptomless carriers of one copy of the defective CF gene:  It takes two copies of the gene for a child to be born with CF. The defective gene causes the body to produce a faulty protein that leads to abnormally thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and results in life-threatening lung infections and respiratory problems. The mucus also obstructs the pancreas, causing inability in the body to absorb nutrients in food. The median life expectancy has improved from early childhood in the 1950s to the mid-30s today; however, most individuals with CF must battle lung disease for their entire lives.

"When Dillon was diagnosed with CF at 2 1/2 years, I started to campaign on behalf of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's GREAT STRIDES Walk in 1998.  I had set a goal of $1,500, but ended up raising over $3,000!  I was amazed at how our family and friends supported us then and continue to do so today.  Many people say that fundraising is hard," said Johnson, "but that's not how parents with a child who has a fatal illness see it.  While we're glad that CF research has increased the life expectancy of CF patients to the mid-thirties, that's not good enough for us!"

The GREAT STRIDES Walk raises millions of dollars nationally each year to fund vital cystic fibrosis (CF) research and care programs and is the CF Foundation's largest and fastest-growing event. The Quad Cities Walk will take place on April 25, 2009 at the Scott County Park - Whispering Pines Shelter.  Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the Walk starts at 10 a.m.  In addition to the walk, there will be food and music, kids activities, and a silent auction.

This year, GREAT STRIDES Quad Cities plans to raise over $40,000 at the Walk to fund the cutting-edge research that has the potential for making a profound impact on the lives of children and young adults with the disease.  More than 90 cents of every dollar raised is used to fund CF research and care programs.

"Although the CF Foundation is proud of its achievements in its 50-year history, lives continue to be lost every day to cystic fibrosis.  The need for financial support is more critical than ever, said Claire Scholl, Director of the Iowa Chapter.  "For the first time in the CF Foundation's history, scientific opportunities are coming at a pace that exceeds the ability to fund them. GREAT STRIDES is a community event, and the community is uniting now to keep the funds coming and the momentum of research advances going."

Call the Iowa Chapter at 515-252-1530 for more information, or visit our website at www.cff.org.

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Colona, IL - A milestone event occurred for Hammond-Henry Hospital out of Geneseo, IL recently.  At 10:00 a.m. on March 17, 2009 a groundbreaking ceremony was held to commemorate the beginning of construction on the new Hammond-Henry Colona Clinic, located at 1604 Cleveland Road in Colona, IL.

Brad Solberg, Hammond-Henry Hospital's CEO, kicked off the event by welcoming all attendees. Other speakers included: Judith Gilbert, City of Colona Economic Development Coordinator; Sue Gray, Hammond-Henry Hospital's Board Chair and Thomas Fennelly, Russell Construction Senior Vice President in charge of construction on the new facility. Other company representatives in attendance for the ceremony included Blackhawk Bank & Trust and the Geneseo School District.

As a 3,500 s.f. medical office building, the new Hammond-Henry Colona Clinic will house several physicians and other building amenities, such as: a vestibule, waiting area, exam rooms, laboratory space, storage rooms and offices.  Construction is set to be fully underway by Monday, March 23, 2009 and will be completed by October 2009.

Hammond-Henry Hospital was established in 1901, utilizing approximately 82 beds and serves nearly 20,000 residents in the Geneseo, IL area.  The new Colona Clinic will allow them to more effectively reach out and serve residents within the hospital district and county by providing quality care and exceptional service.

Russell Construction, located in Davenport, IA, is serving as the Design/Builder and General Contractor on this new Hammond-Henry Hospital project.  Shive-Hattery, located in Moline, IL will serve as the Architect.  The Colona Clinic is the second project that Russell Construction has completed for Hammond-Henry Hospital. In 2004, Russell Construction served as Design/Builder on a 34,000 s.f. addition and renovation to their hospital in Geneseo, IL.  Now, five years later, Russell has once again been selected by Hammond-Henry Hospital because of their focus on building positive long-lasting relationships while delivering a successful and efficient project.

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Alzheimer's is the 7th leading cause of death for people of all ages and 5th leading cause of death for people age 65 and older. One of the most important ways of dealing with the disease is early detection and treatment.  Starting in January, the Alzheimer's Association Greater Iowa Chapter will be hosting Beginning the Conversation programs in Clinton, Muscatine and Scott Counties in Iowa and Henry, Rock Island and Mercer Counties in Illinois.

The Beginning the Conversation program is designed to address the challenges confronting families of those newly diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Crucial information is presented, from disease progression to programs and services that can support caregiving and maintain quality of life. (Please note, this is for caregivers only; respite funds may be available for those suffering from the disease).

Programs for Scott and Rock Island County will be held the 4th Tuesday of the month from 3-4:30 pm at the Alzheimer's Association office, 736 Federal Street, Ste. 2318, Davenport, IA.

Programs for Clinton County will be held 1st Tuesday of the month in April, July and October from 3-4:30 pm at the Mercy Medical Center, South Campus Boardroom, 638 S. Bluff, Clinton, IA.

Programs for Muscatine County will be held the 2nd Tuesday of the month in March, June, September and December from 3-4:30 pm at Senior Resources, 3rd Floor Meeting Room, 1808 Mulberry Avenue, Muscatine, IA.

Programs for Henry County will be held the 3rd Thursday of the month in February, May, August and November from 3-4:30 pm at Henry Seniors Upstairs Meeting Room, 219 W. 2nd Street, Kewanee, IL

Programs for Mercer County will be held the 4th Thursday of the month in January, April, July and October from 3-4:30 pm at the Mercer County Hospital, Conference Room A, 409 NW 9th Avenue, Aledo, IL.

Persons interested in signing up for the class may call 563-324-1022 or 800-272-3900 or email Jerry Schroeder at Jerry.Schroeder@alz.org.

The Alzheimer's Association, the world leader in Alzheimer research and support, is the first and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to finding prevention methods, treatments and an eventual cure for Alzheimer's. For 25 years, the donor-supported, not-for-profit Alzheimer's Association has provided reliable information and care consultation; created supportive services for families; increased funding for dementia research; and influenced public policy changes.

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