NATCHEZ — Gathering together for a cause can move mountains, and the Miss-Lou accomplished just that Saturday morning.

More than 150 residents assembled near the old Cock of the Walk on the bluff Saturday morning to take part in the annual Great Strides 5k walk.

The 5k walk raises awareness for the genetic disorder cystic fibrosis.

CF affects the lungs and digestive system of 30,000 Americans in the United States.

Natchez native Sam Kirby, who suffers from cystic fibrosis, organized the event with Walt Wilson and his aunt Dianne Kirby.

“This walk shows that the community wants to come out and support the cause and the families who are affected by CF,” Kirby said. “It’s exciting to see everyone lined up ready to walk.”

Kirby was not alone as many close friends came to lift him up.

“I wouldn’t miss it,” Natchez native Tim Givens said. “I’m here to support him 100 percent. Sam (Kirby) is one of my closest friends.”

Wilson, director of the respiratory care program at Copiah Lincoln Community College in Natchez, said in 2010 one of his students had a brother with CF, and was asked by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to start the Great Strides Walk.

“We started out with 30 walkers at Co-Lin,” Wilson said. “Now it has grown to well over a 100.”

Wilson said respiratory therapists take care of patients with CF.

Helping those with the disorder, Wilson said, can eventually create a bond equal to family members.

Four individuals with CF were present at the walk Saturday.

Annette Smith attended the walk with her son Dillon Smith, who has CF.

Annette represented the Monterey team, which was in honor of her son.

“It feels great to have this many people come out and support the cause,” Dillon said.

Dillon said he has been coping with the disorder, and it is currently feeling OK.

“The CF Foundation does so much to look for a cure,” Annette said. “They are coming so close right now.”

Because of fundraisers like Great Strides, the CF Foundation is able to develop new drugs.

Kirby said two drugs are through phase three of the drug process.

“These drugs are special because they are designed to correct the function of the defective protein made by the CF gene, not just to treat the symptoms,” Kirby said.

More than 90 percent of all funds from the CF Foundation go towards research, Annette said.

“It makes life better for the CF patient,” Annette said. “It means a lot to come out and walk for that.”

Paula Reeves is the mother of two kids — Braylin, 5, and Braden, 3, who also has CF.

“It’s important for us to be here and raise money so we can find a cure,” Paula said.

As a mother, Paula said she will not give up with helping find a cure for the disorder.

“It’s tough, it’s a daily struggle,” Paula said. “But it’s worth the fight.”