THUNDER BAY - Stories about princesses or princes often include elements of magic and wonder and every year kids get the opportunity to step into that world for a day while also helping those battling a devastating disease in real life.
On Sunday, more than 160 people participated in the fifth annual Cystic Fibrosis Princess Ball.
“No matter how old you are, you always want to be a princess or you always want to be a prince,” said Viktoria Kalyta, chair of the Princess Ball.
It was a ball fit for royalty, with kids wearing dresses and tiaras who got to meet their favourite princesses from movies and fairytales.
And while it is a day to escape into a magical fantasy world, the real world importance of the Princess Ball is never lost.
“It is for cystic fibrosis,” Kalyta said. “It is one of those diseases where it is not noticeable. Everyone looks average and you don’t know anything is wrong except when you hear them breathe. Think of the worst bronchitis you’ve ever had and you have that for your entire life. Breathing is a necessity but it is one of the most difficult things you have to do everyday.”
“That is why we try to raise anything for it. It is kind of pushed under the rug but it is fairly prevalent.”
The money raised through ticket sales goes to St. Michael’s Children Hospital in Toronto where many children with cystic fibrosis go for treatment, as well as bringing in specialists for clinics here in Thunder Bay for people unable to travel.
Last year the event raised more than $15,000 and Kalyta expects this year will bring in just as much if not more.
Cystic fibrosis is the most common genetic disease affecting children and young adults in Canada. However, in the last 20 years treatments have come a long way.
“Up until the early 2000s it was very rare for those with cystic fibrosis to live past childhood,” Kalyta said. “With medication, research, and treatments everything has been extended. Life expectancy is now 50 years old, which is old, but it is not old old.”
The annual Princess Ball will be back next year and Kalyta hopes it will continue to grow just as it has for the past five years.
“I think it’s special because it’s so unique,” she said. “Every time people leave they say we can’t wait for next year, we can’t wait to see what you’re going to do so we always try to amp it up.”
