Walter is always adamant that he is not a ‘sufferer’. He lives his life to the fullest and stays as healthy as he can. Exercise helps him cough up the mucous, thus reducing the infection which then becomes more manageable in conjunction with the large number of pills and potions that he is required to take. This is the vital information he wishes to share with everyone, why he embarked on his great Bike Ride; to be living proof that there is a life to be lived for those with CF – and to not let it get in the way of having fun.
FOR A LARGER VIDEO SCREEN CLICK <HERE>
- Cystic Fibrosis is a disease that affects the mucous membranes, causening thickening of phlegm.
- This leads to bacterial infections which cause permanent lung damage
- Diagnosis occurs in early childhood and without a daily barrage of antibiotics and medicine the sufferer will not live past their teens.
- Even with the best of care, life expectancy is 35
- Walter van Praag, diagnosed at 10, aged 42
- On 28 th of July, 2007, Walter and his team rode East out of Paris
- Their awareness ride took them through 12 European countries, eEach with its own challenges and obstacles as well as many rewards and surprises
- Ultimately though, their goal was to reach Istanbul by October
- Altogether the journey took 72 days and 3495 kilometres
- And all with only 50% lung capacity
Paris to Istanbul with Cystic Fibrosis Soundtrack 'Just Breathe' gratefully provided by Ben Curtis
WE NEED FUNDING TO PRODUCE THE DOCUMENTARY AND THE BOOKS!
We need approximately $150K to carry this off professionally. If you think your company can help or like your organisation's logo to be on the DVD or any of the two books, please contact us! All donations welcome.
The documentary has been approved by Documentary Australia, which means any donations towards the documentary are fully tax deductible!
www.documentaryaustralia.com.au
More Information:
THE DOCUMENTARY
THE BOOK
WALTER and the MUCOUS MONSTERS
Spreading Inspiration
We filmed the trip to make this documentary and hope to provide inspiration to other people living with Cystic Fibrosis. Currently the documentary is in the post-production phase with Lucas Li in Canberra, Walter is writing a book about the trip and his wife Katherine is writing the illustrated chilldren's version. Glenn Smith from Sydney is hired to do the illustrations.
All profits are going to Cystic Fibrosis Research!
The books and the documentary are planned to be launched in August at the 2008 Cystic Fibrosis Nursing Conference in Hobart.
Pre-purchases are available now, ensure you get a copy as soon as it comes out!
Read more about the following by clicking on the following:
COUGHING the DISTANCE
The Documentary by Lucas Li
COUGHING the DISTANCE
The Book by Walter van Praag and co-authored by Heather Lea
WALTER and the MUCOUS MONSTER
The children's book by Katherine Hitch and Glenn Smith