THUNDER BAY - It was an event fit for a princess and all the magic and enchantment in the air not only brightened the day for children facing a devastating illness, it is also helping find a cure.
On Sunday, princesses of all ages participated in the 4th Annual Cystic Fibrosis Princess Ball to raise funds and awareness for the genetic disorder that largely impacts children.
This year more than 120 people participated in the ball, which included face painting, craft stations, hair and makeup tables, and a two-hour ball where children could dance with their favourite princess.
“I can’t describe it with any other word than magical or enchanting,” said Viktoria Kalyta, chair of the Princess Ball. “Bringing almost fantasy to real life where they can touch it, they can feel it, they can smell it. It’s just magic. That’s really what it is.”
Kalyta said she expects this year's ball will raise more than $10,000, which goes toward research for cystic fibrosis.
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that can affect the digestive system and the lungs. As the disease progresses it can cause a persistent and ongoing infection in the lungs and can eventually lead to death. It primarily affects children and young adults.
“Truthfully it’s terrifying telling a child,” Kalyta said. “CF mainly affects the digestive system and the lungs. With the lungs they are coughing and wheezing and it can be very difficult to breathe. That is very difficult to try and tell a child. But we just try to discuss it and talk a little about it.”
Kalyta said she is impacted by CF on a personal level and she sees the battle every day in a family member who was diagnosed. So she hopes the Princess Ball will provide a little enchantment to those fighting that battle and those who support them.
“I love it,” she said. “I loved being a princess as a child. I make my own costumes. My favourite is seeing the kid’s faces and this is where we all get together and do that. The kids absolutely love it.”
