CARSTAR facilities from across the U.S. and Canada are once again gearing up to support cystic fibrosis research, care and advocacy as they prepare for another Shine Month, this coming June.

The CARSTAR and cystic fibrosis affiliation all started when Victoria, granddaughter of Harry Belmont, previous CARSTAR Mississauga Hawkestone owner, received a cystic fibrosis diagnosis in 1997. At that time, the life  expectancy of someone living with cystic fibrosis was 30 years of age.

Over the course of the more than 20-year partnership, Canadian franchise partners, vendors and community supporters helped CARSTAR raise over $3 million for Cystic Fibrosis Canada. These funds make a tremendous impact, proof being that the life expectancy of someone living with cystic fibrosis is now 53.3 in Canada and 47 in the U.S.

“I have come a long way since my initial diagnosis, but just like any other 21-year-old, living away from family, working and going to school, is not always easy,” says Victoria. “My family has been incredibly supportive of me, and the fact that my grandfather’s legacy cause is still supported by CARSTAR to this day is motivation for me to keep pushing forward.”

This past winter was especially difficult for Victoria as she was in and out of the hospital, but she remains committed to graduating college this May. Excited to earn her diploma in Office Administration from Fanshawe College, Victoria looks forward to what the future holds for her and more importantly, spending some much-needed time with her family on vacation this spring.

“Since 1997, when our partnership first began, CARSTAR franchise partners from across Canada, and most recently the U.S., strive to raise funds that will hopefully lead to a cure for Victoria and others just like her who are living with cystic fibrosis,” says Michael Macaluso, President, CARSTAR. “We have challenged our network to raise over $375,000 for the fight against cystic fibrosis, and the energy we are already seeing behind this year’s Shine Month has me confident our franchise partners will drive us to exceeding this goal.”

The Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis, happening on May 27, 2018 across Canada and the Great Strides Walk happening all over the U.S. throughout the month of May, will kick off our Shine Month fundraising. Once Shine Month, June, comes upon us, stores across North America will be hosting car washes, barbecues, golf tournaments, wing nights, auctions and more—all to support the cause in finding a cure for cystic fibrosis.