Published: September 19, 2009 11:19 pm      

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.