By Kate Bartlett
This year, Cattaraugus County Great Strides brings their annual walk for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to the village of Ellicottville next Saturday, September 13. The 2-mile walk will begin at 11am at Warrior Fitness and Wellness and end at the Silver Fox. It is appropriate for all ages and ability levels.
Previously known as the Salamanca Great Strides Walk, this event is still supporting the same worthy cause, raising awareness and supporting those living with Cystic Fibrosis. The walk began 17 years ago, and has gained momentum throughout the years. Brad Poole, owner and founder of Warrior Fitness and Wellness, is helping coordinate the event, as he is good friends with Heather McKeever, Executive Director of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation WNY Chapter. “It’s such a worthy cause,” says Brad. “We’re looking forward to hosting it here in Ellicottville for many years to come.”
(owner and founder of Warrior Fitness and Wellness), Darryn
Fiske and Andy Herrick (former host of Salamanca Great
Strides Walk).
As the event takes place on Ellicottville’s Rock and Roll weekend, participants are encouraged to wear Rock and Roll costumes as well. A post-walk party will take place at Silver Fox, and everyone is invited to stop into the village bars and restaurants to catch some live music and delicious food and drink. “It’s a great weekend for an event,” says Brad. “Start the weekend off on the right foot with the walk, supporting a good cause, then check out the live music and festivities throughout the village.”
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a complex, expensive, and time-consuming disease caused by a defective gene that produces thick, sticky mucus in the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. In the lungs, mucus clogs the airways and traps bacteria, leading to infections, extensive lung damage, and respiratory failure.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) is a global leader in the quest to find a cure for CF, funding a wide range of research initiatives aimed at addressing every aspect of the disease.
Though rare, more than 40,000 people in the U.S. are living with CF, with every person on their own unique journey, experiences this challenging disease differently. Some community members are thriving, while others do not benefit from existing therapies, either because their disease is too advanced or because their specific genetic mutations will not respond and face greater challenges. Fundraising is vital to ensuring the continued progress of CF research. Despite the achievements, there is no cure, and people with CF continue to lose their lives to this disease.
Many families in the area have been affected by Cystic Fibrosis, including the Herrick Family, who have been a part of this event for many years. The Herricks hosted the Salamanca Great Strides Walk for 17 years, Andy is now at Hilbert College pursuing his degree, he is also a member of the Basketball team. The Herrick family was excited when Brad offered to host the walk at Warrior Fitness. The Herrick Family has been very supportive of the walk moving to Ellicottville, and will be in attendance this year.
Darryn Fiske, Strength Conditioning Coach at St Bonaventure, has also been a supporter of this annual event, and will again bring his athletes to participate in the walk. “It’s great to see this support,” says Brad. “Seeing so many people of different ages and abilities is inspirational; it demonstrates the support of our community.” Darryn was CCF Volunteer of the Year in 2023, and was featured on WGRZ’s “Selfless Among Us.”
Heather McKeever, Executive Director, WNY CFF Chapter is optimistic about the change in location. “In July the Silver Fox Steakhouse hosted a CFF Power Hour Networking event. We are grateful to Brad Poole, The Ellicottville Chamber, and Sally and Mike Nickolson (owners of the Silver Fox Restaurant) for their leadership in helping us to hit the ground running. We are so grateful for the support of all the local leaders and businesses. We are excited the Great Strides Walk is part of the line up for Rock and Roll Weekend, I feel confident this is going to be become a fun fall tradition for the Cattaraugus and CF Community!”
Participants can register online at ellicottvilleny.com/events and fundraise.cff.org/salamanca2025 or day of the event at Warrior Fitness and Wellness located at 5 Park Ave in Ellicottville starting at 10am (walk starts at 11). Donations are always welcome, there is no cost to walk, you can register online or day of event, email western-newyork@cff.org or call (716) 204-2535.