By Erica Solvig
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Mason High sophomore Julie Williams holds tickets she is selling for a fund-raiser dance to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Greater Cincinnati. (Michael Snyder photo) | ZOOM |

MASON - Julie Williams was so moved after meeting a teen with cystic fibrosis last summer that she decided to learn about the genetic disease and help make a difference in the research.

The 15-year-old Mason High School sophomore started by collecting spare change from her classmates. But then she decided to think bigger.

That idea, sparked in September, evolved into a schoolwide fund-raising dance that will be held Jan. 24. Tickets went on sale Thursday at $5 a person and $9 a couple.

"People know what lung cancer is, they know what heart disease is, but a lot of people don't know what cystic fibrosis is," Julie said. "I wanted to do something about that.

"If (students) are going to the dance, and they want to know what their money is going to, then they might read up on it."

About 30,000 people nationwide have cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that affects the respiratory, digestive and reproductive systems. People are typically diagnosed as children, and live until about 32, said Patty Proctor, executive director of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Greater Cincinnati chapter, where the money is being donated.

There is no cure.

"We're thrilled that Julie is getting involved because it helps put a face to cystic fibrosis and makes other aware of it," Ms. Proctor said. "That initiative is so rare with someone who is only 15. ... But it really affects people their age."

Julie, who is on the swim team and volunteers in the schools and community, has gotten help from more than 50 student volunteers and chaperones.

"After this, I think that you can do pretty much anything you want as far as changing the world," she said.

For more information on cystic fibrosis or the foundation's upcoming fund-raisers, including the Great Strides Walk this May and June, call the Greater Cincinnati chapter at 593-9300.

E-mail esolvig@enquirer.com