Los Angeles: On April 12, 2003, 40 Los Angeles Police Department Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) officers will volunteer to battle the blazing heat and the unique terrain of Death Valley, as a part of the Annual Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay; all in an effort to raise funds to help in finding a cure for Cystic Fibrosis (CF).

This year, the SWAT officers will run over 13 hours in honor of 12 year-old Charly Ann Daniels. Charly’s father, Ronnie Daniels, an LAPD Mounted Unit officer, along with fellow officers from Metropolitan Division will run 120 miles on behalf of the 30,000 people in our country who live with this life-threatening generic disease, CF.

Charly, a talented artist who enjoys playing soccer, is now unable to pursue her interests because of the debilitating effect CF has on her lungs.

The Los Angeles Police Department is working closely with the Southern California Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to raise funds to help improve the quality of life for Charly and other CF patients.

For further information or to participate in other fund raising programs, such as tribute bracelets and letter writing campaigns, contact the staff of the CF Foundation at 714-938-1393, or visit www.cff.org.

This media advisory was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.