Although Céline supports the T.J. Martell Foundation and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Found,
the cause closest to her heart is the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CCFF), of which she is the
national celebrity patron. Céline has always promoted this charity even at the beginning of her career
when she was little known outside of Québec. Céline has first hand experience of the suffering that cystic
fibrosis brings. She was at the bedside of her niece, Karine, when she died from the disease at the age of
16. Céline began supporting the CF cause at the regional level of the Foundation, through her
collaboration with the Association Québecoise de la Fibrose Kystique (AQFK).Céline enthusiastically
helped spread the CF message by giving interviews, lending her support to AQFK public service
campaigns and fundraising activities. In August 1993, Céline demonstrates her commitment to the CF
cause, by accepting the Foundation's invitation to be its national Celebrity Patron.
As part of her increased involvement, Céline participated in the Foundation's Canada-wide public
awareness campaign, from 1994 to 1997. The central message of this campaign featuring Céline and
Chanelle Lemieux Lecavalier, a child with CF, from Hull, Québec, was both one of hope-that a cure or
an effective control for CF will be found; and urgency-that continued public support of the CF cause is
required to realize this goal. As well as promoting the CF cause, Céline is a dedicated fundraiser for for
cystic fibrosis research and treatment attracting Canadian and international funding. She has also donated
her appearence fees from several concerts and guests appearances to the Foundation. In 1996, Céline
was responsible for personally securing an important new sponsorship with Royal Airlines. Céline's
collaboration with Royal Airlines was expected to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for CF in 1997
alone.There is no doubt that Céline's immense popularity will continue to benefit the CF cause. Her songs
reach a wide audience across the world and her high profile and dedication to fighting for a cure for CF
gives hope to those who have been affected by this terrible disease.
Article taken from "In Profile-Céline Dion" published by Highbury House Communications
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