Wayne State SAAC Raises Funds for Cystic Fibrosis

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Release courtesy of Matt Cunningham and WSU Athletics

DETROIT - Wayne State University student-athletes capped off their successful fall fundraising campaign for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation by presenting Grand Valley State University assistant swimming and diving coach Roger Karns with a check for $1,103 on Saturday prior to the WSU-GVSU dual meet at the Matthaei Aquatic Center.

In September, Karns reached out to fellow members of the GLIAC to support his fundraising efforts for CFF by sponsoring him in a fundraising walk in Winamac, Ind. The disease personally affected Karns when his five-month-old grandson, Ethan, was diagnosed with the disease. Karns set a goal of $1,000 for the race. The $1,103 adds to the over $1,500 Karns has raised to date for the CFF.

Wayne State senior swimmer Cauli Bedran, a member of the WSU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, brought the cause to the attention of the student group. The SAAC made it a fall fundraising initiative to raise money for the foundation in the name of Roger and Ethan Karns.


"One of the things that separates WSU student-athletes is their response to a challenge," commented WSU director of athletics Rob Fournier. "When the general ask went out to assist in this worthwhile endeavor, the WSU SAAC accepted and made a significant difference in an appeal. We may be friendly competitors...but in the end, WSU student-athletes get 'the bigger picture.'"

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, a nonprofit donor-supported organization, is to assure the development of the means to cure and control cystic fibrosis and to improve the quality of life for those with the disease.