For the past three years, a new tradition at Niles Middle School has arisen: a walk for the genetic, chronic disease cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis affects multiple organs in one’s body, primarily the lungs and the pancreas. That means, because of mutations in the CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) gene, the protein that helps move the chloride ions (salts) across their cell membranes is affected. With these mutations, it can cause buildup and thick mucus in the body, mostly in the lungs and digestive system. There is a teacher here at NMS with this condition and her name is Christine Falleti. At the age of six weeks old, Mrs. Falleti was diagnosed with this disease. Most children who have this disease, unfortunately, do not live very long. However, Mrs. Falleti did, and still, in her late 40s, she still has to live with these challenges. She has to take 30 pills a day to stay healthy and she has to take up to 17 in the morning before school. Because of her condition, she decided “The Walk for a Cure” would not only raise awareness for cystic fibrosis, but it would give the children at NMS a chance to hear her story. In the middle of May, Mrs. Falleti, Mr. Toth, and our new sixth grade gym teacher, Mr. Woloschak organized our walk. Niles Middle School is overjoyed to have a survivor of this disease, and although Mrs. Falleti has not fully beaten it, we can still call her our hero. Hopefully, there is a cure found for cystic fibrosis so children and adults of all ages are not fearful for the future.
Furthermore, Mrs. Falleti and her family have created a team for the Great Strides walk named “Chrissy’s Clovers” in order to raise money for research to hopefully find a cure. Their main goal was to receive $20,000 in donations, and so far they have raised a little over $20,500!
Finally, Niles Middle School would like to give thanks to Mrs. Falleti, and we are so grateful she has made it this far.”The walk” is not just an opportunity to skip a class period, it’s a chance to view another person’s point of view in conditions like cystic fibrosis. Speaking for all of NMS, we are eternally grateful Mrs. Falleti is still here to educate our student body. We love you!