Goshen News, Goshen, IN

Breaking News

Local News

September 19, 2009

Cromwell man walks to raise awareness about cystic fibrosis

CROMWELL - Jim Starnes enjoys the Hoosier state, his dog and walking. And starting today, he’s not on a staycation.

The Cromwell resident was set to begin walking the length of Indiana from north to south, starting at the state line north of Shipshewana. He’ll be accompanied by his dog, Barlow.

In more ways than one, this is no idle project.

Starnes is walking to raise awareness about cystic fibrosis. The son of one of his good friends has the disease.

There is no cure for cystic fibrosis, and Starnes wants to help change that. A parent himself, Starnes said he can’t imagine outliving his own child.

Starnes and his friend, Rodney Summers of Evansville, grew up in the small town of Lamar, Ind.

“Needless to say, we’re just unbelievably grateful to (Starnes) for doing it,” Summers said. “... It doesn’t surprise me that Jim’s doing this. He’s that kind of guy. He’s all heart.”

Summers’ son, Logan, turned 10 in July. He was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when he was 6 months old.

Logan is a Webelo in the Scouts program and plays baseball in the summer. He likes video games. In many respects, he’s a typical 10-year-old boy.

Logan also undergoes aerosol and percussion treatment in the morning and evening. Whenever he eats, he has to ingest enzyme pills to aid with digestion.

“There’s a lot of work that comes with keeping him healthy,” Rodney Summers said.

According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, in the 1950s few children with the disease lived to attend elementary school. There have been advances in treatment and now many people can expect to live into their 30s, 40s and beyond.

Rodney Summers wants Logan to live to be an old man — with grandkids.

To make his trek Starnes is taking two weeks off from his job as a third-shift maintenance technician at Goshen General Hospital. His plan is to walk around 24 miles a day, staying the first night at his house.

Starnes and his wife drove the route, stopping every 24 miles. Camping spots have been arranged for Starnes and Barlow at all but two spots.

“Hoosier hospitality is still alive,” Starnes said.

Traveling companion

Barlow is half beagle, half Doberman.

“He’ll be 2 years old Jan. 8,” Starnes said. “So he’s in his prime.”

Starnes has been putting Tender-Foot cream on Barlow’s pads in preparation for the journey. The human half of the duo has been trying to walk four to six miles a day since early June to train for the trip.

Rodney Summers couldn’t get two weeks off work, but he is taking one week. He plans on meeting up with Starnes and Barlow around Indianapolis. The three will cross into Kentucky, finishing up the walk from Lamar, Ind., into Owensboro, Ky.

“Unless my body prohibits it,” Summers said, “I’ll be with him the rest of the way.”



Anyone wanting to follow the adventure can access the Facebook blog “Barlow the Dog Walks for CF (cystic fibrosis).” Those interested in contributing to cystic fibrosis research can donate funds to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 1261 W. 86th St., Suite E-2, Indianapolis, IN 46260.

Text Only
Local News
Parade
Magazine

Click HERE to read all your Parade favorites including Hollywood Wire, Celebrity interviews and photo galleries, Food recipes and cooking tips, Games and lots more.
Poll

The Goshen Housing Authority has a $571,050 shortfall. Should the Goshen City Council use money from its $4.7-million “rainy day” fund to pay the debt and maintain the current level of service provided by the voucher program?

Yes, the Council should allocate all the money owed
No, the Council should not allocate any money
The Council should pay what cannot be raised privately
     View Results
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
AP Video
Raw Video: Hearse Arrives at N.J. Funeral Home Authorities: Houston Found Underwater in Tub Arm Wrestler Not Guilty Plea in Wife's Death Raw Video: Houston Body Flown From L.A. to N.J. First Person: Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Obama's New Budget: The Winners and Losers Gregoire: Marriage Equality Is Right for Wash. Bacteria Keep Swimmers Off Some Fla. Beaches Police: Houston Found Under Water, Unconscious Sandusky Can See Grandkids, Have Local Jury Obama Unveils $3.8 Trillion Budget Raw Video: Israeli Embassy Car Attacked Coroner: Don't Know Houston's Cause of Death Yet Valentine Greetings Sent Worldwide From Loveland Greek Austerity Measures Spark Riots Raw Video: Obama Budget Goes to Capitol Hill Arab League Wants U.N. Help in Syria Nordic Festival Puts North Korea in Spotlight 'Rumor Has It' Adele's Rolling in the Grammys Grohl, Grammy Nominees Cut Up on the Red Carpet