POULSBO — Dire predictions of a rain-soaked Saturday didn’t come true as more than 70 people joined Brianna Oas and her team, Bri’s Believers, stepping up in the Great Strides Cystic Fibrosis Walkathon.

The 14th annual Poulsbo event showed the community’s support for Oas, who suffers from the genetic disease, which causes the body to produce an abnormally thick mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening infections.

With Oas preparing to head across the Cascades in the fall to attend Washington State University, Saturday’s walk took on added special meaning as it might have been the last time she and her many childhood friends trekked the 5.1 mile route between Vinland and Breidablik elementary schools together.

“It’s going good, and I can’t believe it’s here,” Oas said with an infectious smile. “As of Thursday we had $17,000 and our goal is $20,000.”

As of Monday, $24,000 had been raised.

In the midst of a busy senior year, preparations for the walk have been fun and all of her friends have been there every step of the way, she said.

“I wish we had a little more sun, but this is definitely the best one yet,” she said. “We’ve gotten a lot more awareness and we’ve got to keep it going.”

Several local companies have expressed an interest in being part of the CF Walkathon next year, she said.

Helping with the event from Pullman will be different, but Oas said she’s excited about the future of the event as it has gotten bigger and better each year.

One of Oas’ best friends, Brittany Girard said the event brought the same level of enthusiasm it has every year.

“I’m excited and it’s going to be a lot of fun,” Girard said. “I’ve already got my walking partner, Boomer.”

With Boomer, the 175-pound English mastiff at her side, Girard mentioned another “dog,” noting that the group’s hot dog sale in April at the Kingston Albertsons was a success as well.

“We made a little bit of money and I hope the weather holds out for us today,” Girard said.

As all of the walkers, horse riders and bicyclists moved toward the starting line, Oas’ smile grew even larger.

“Everybody’s turned out and it’s perfect,” Oas said.