Participants gather during a Great Strides Walk in Hanover. The annual event raises money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. (Courtesy of Cystic Fibrosis Foundation)
Participants gather during a Great Strides Walk in Hanover. The annual event raises money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. (Courtesy of Cystic Fibrosis Foundation) Credit: Courtesy of Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Hanover — Robert Plante had no personal connection to cystic fibrosis when he first joined the Hanover Great Strides event, part of a national fundraiser to raise money for cystic fibrosis research. However, he loved to walk and talk and he soon bonded with members of the cystic fibrosis community in the Upper Valley. 

Soon, Plante was organizing the Hanover event. This year, when walkers stroll around Storrs Pond Recreation Area on Saturday May 5, it will mark the 30th year Plante has organized the fundraiser. Plante has a lofty goal to help him celebrate the milestone. 

“The goal this year is to raise $30,000 on my 30th anniversary,” the Lebanon resident said.  

It’s not unachievable. Last year, the walk’s 100 participants raised almost $26,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis foundation, which conducts research into the hereditary disease that causes lung infections and other respiratory distress. Over his decades of organizing, Plante has raised more than $300,000 and had a lot of fun along the way. 

“It’s a good event. I love doing things like that,” he said. “It makes me feel good to raise money for CF research.”

In addition to the 3-mile walk, which is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, the event features, music, refreshments and great company. 

“I hope to see a lot of people there,” Plante said.

Editor’s note: The walk begins at 10:30 a.m., with registration opening at 10 a.m. For more information or to donate, visit www.fightcf.cff.org/.