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Frank Leier, or Mr. Saskatchewan, as he has been dubbed by Doug Summerhayes, the founder of what is now Cystic Fibrosis Canada, just turned 100! In May, CEO & President Kelly Grover was on hand at the Breath of Life motorcycle fundraiser ride In Indian Head, Sask, with hundreds of event participants and volunteers to celebrate and acknowledge all that Frank has done for the CF community.
“Frank’s daughter Lorna will likely talk about what an incredible father, grandfather, great grandfather, husband, farmer and electric contractor Frank is,” Kelly told the crowd, “But the stories I’ve heard about Frank are also about his commitment to improving the lives of Saskatchewanians and all Canadians with cystic fibrosis.”
Frank and his wife Barbara had three children with CF: Tim, Lorna and James, who died at two weeks old. It was Lorna, in fact, who started the Breath of Life ride 40 years ago, raising almost $825,000 for CF Canada research and programs since then.
The family was driven to help change the CF story in this country. Frank was the first chapter president in Saskatchewan, and he tested every piece of cystic fibrosis equipment at his home, before any was placed in other Canadian homes. Frank and Barbara also pushed for the Saskatchewan cystic fibrosis drug plan, and Frank was a powerful leader in providing access to the medications people needed.
Kelly presented a plaque that will hang in the local CF clinic that says “Cystic Fibrosis Canada honours Frank Leier, “Mr. Saskatchewan”, for his pioneering spirit and lifetime of contributions to the Canadian cystic fibrosis community.”
Thank you, Frank!