Cystic fibrosis is a serious and, sadly, relatively frequent disease. Cystic fibrosis is caused by a mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene.
The protein coded by CFTR is an ion channel–a protein that regulates the passage of salt into and out of a cell. The CFTR protein maintains a balance of fluid and salt in the cell. When a mutation occurs in the gene, CFTR functions poorly, and salt is not transported properly. A charitable competition called METROSTAV HANDY CYKLO MARATON takes place on an annual basis to support people suffering from cystic fibrosis. The competition seeks to:
- raise awareness of cystic fibrosis
- support those who suffer from the disease as well as their families, encouraging them to take up suitable sports activities that help them to rehabilitate
- create a single team that comprises healthy and unhealthy individuals
- acquire funds to support families whose members suffer from CF
The company FVE CZECH NOVUM supported PROSTĚ DÝCHEJ (the Czech for “JUST BREATHE”), one of the teams that competed in the 2017 METROSTAV HANDY CYKLO MARATON. A total of 35 teams were challenged to cycle 2,222 kilometres in 111 hours. Each of the teams consisted of cycling enthusiasts and a handicapped sportsperson. The race is basically a cycling relay in which each of the team members cycles part of the race. The task is to cross the finishing line within 111 hours.
