Fusion Gala returns to Markham to support cystic fibrosis research and care

Cystic Fibrosis Canada will return to Markham this fall for its annual Fusion Gala, with this year’s fundraising event taking place on Oct. 3 at the Hilton Markham Suites Conference Centre & Spa. Proceeds from the gala will support critical research, care, advocacy, and support programs for people living with cystic fibrosis.

Cystic Fibrosis Canada is a national charitable organization dedicated to supporting people with CF and advancing research toward better treatments. Cystic fibrosis is a life-shortening genetic disease that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system.

Fusion Gala Co-Chair Ron Anderson said the event holds special meaning for his family.

“When my daughter, Lauren, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis in 2001, there were few treatment options available,” Anderson said. “Our family and friends wanted to do something to change that, and so we started fundraising for Cystic Fibrosis Canada. The Fusion Gala has given our family and the CF community a platform to come together each year, raise funds to fuel transformative care and support for people living with CF, and to celebrate our collective progress.”

A highlight of the gala is hearing directly from members of the cystic fibrosis community, who share their personal experiences living with the disease. Their stories offer guests a firsthand look at the progress that has been made through research and treatment, while underscoring the work that still lies ahead.

“For more than 23 years, the Fusion Gala has been helping to change what it means to live with cystic fibrosis in Canada. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our sponsors, donors, volunteers and guests, this event has raised more than $6.2 million to support research, advocacy, care and programs that have transformed lives,” says Nancy Griffin, Fusion Gala Co-Chair.

“Many of the advances our community celebrates today are possible because people have continued to show up year after year and believe in a better future for people living with cystic fibrosis,” Griffin says. “Fusion is more than a gala; it is a powerful example of what can happen when a community comes together with a shared commitment to making a difference.”

This year’s gala, themed An Evening in Vienna, begins at 6 p.m. with a cocktail reception and features a silent auction, live auction, Key to a Cure auction, dinner, live entertainment and dancing.

For more information, visit fusiongala.ca.