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Taking on marathon to help save niece

James Kozlowski, with niece Aveline who suffers from Cystic Fibrosis, is raising sponsorship for his SMH Half-Marathon challenge on Sunday to help find a cure for the incurable disease.

IT takes a lot to weaken successful school principal and Picnic Point resident James Kozlowski, 46, but shortly after the birth of niece Aveline, he felt helpless.

Diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) at six weeks, Aveline has a long fight on her little hands, needing daily enzyme capsules to help digest food and daily physiotherapy on her back and sides to help her lungs and airways.

“She’s already had six visits to RPA and has a team of specialists looking after her,” James explained.

“Just like in the new movie, ‘Five Feet Apart’, it’s vital that Aveline has no contact with another CF sufferer at the hospital which could be fatal.

“At this stage, her life expectancy is only 37 but there are babies and teenagers dying from it everyday in Australia. One in every four babies is born with CF and there is no cure.”

James researched the best way he could help Aveline and his sister, Jenny, deciding to raise funds in the SMH Half-Marathon this Sunday, May 19, to help find a cure.

“So far I have raised $6,688 (as at yesterday morning) for Cure4 Cystic Fibrosis and am in training for the challenging marathon.

“As individuals we are relentless and passionate in our fight, and together form a remarkable force.

“We are closer to a cure than ever before, but until the day comes when no lives are lost to this disease, we must remain steadfast in our pursuit.

“We’re fighting for the funds needed to continue supporting promising areas of medical research – research that addresses the cause and prevention of cystic fibrosis, as well as research that supports treatments for improved wellbeing and extension of life.

“Together, and only together, are we able to take the action necessary to pursue a future free of this disease.”

If you can help by making a donation, head to James’ fundraising page: https://smhhalfmarathon2019.everydayhero.com/au/running-for-aveline-to-cure-cystic-fibrosis.