CF Cycle for Life October 5, 2013
Who: The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation with 325 riders and 100 volunteers
What: The CF Cycle for Life, 12, 30 and 65 mile bike tour
When: Saturday, October 5, 2013 at 8:00 am registration and 9:00 am ride
Where: Fatima Shrine, 101 Summer Street, Holliston, Start and Finish Line for all distance rides.
Parking at 201 Summer Street
How: Riders can register at http://mass-ri.cff.org/cycle or the day of the ride for $45.
The fundraising requirement is $200.
Why: Cystic fibrosis is a rare genetic disease affecting 30,000 people nationwide and 70,000 across the globe. In 1955 when the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation began, children did not typically live to reach elementary school. Today people with CF are living longer, healthier lives thanks to improvements in research and patient care. On January 31, 2012 the FDA approved the drug Kalydeco whish is the first drug to address the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis. The science behind Kalydeco opens exciting new doors to research and development that may eventually lead to a cure for all people living with CF.
16 YEARS AND COUNTING
The CF Cycle for Life started small as the CF Cycle for Life 16 years ago. With a handful of family, friends and neighbors the Varrell Family of Holliston hosted a bike tour to benefit cystic fibrosis and raised approximately $8,000. Their niece Haylee was born with cystic fibrosis months before and it was time to take action.
Today, life is different – Haylee is a lovely young lady with a sister Jenna who also has cystic fibrosis. The ride that attracted 35 participants has grown to 325 riders and 100 volunteers. Supporters have attracted 63 teams of riders who hope to raise more than $200,000 in the fight against cystic fibrosis. Today, the life expectancy of babies born with cystic fibrosis is 37 years of age, gratefully much better than the 20’s back in 1997. Yet, the cure for CF remains undiscovered.
To support vital research and patient care, cyclists will participate in the CF Cycle for Life 2013 on Saturday, October 5 at the Fatima Shrine at 8:00 am registration and 9:00 ride. Cyclists have a choice of 3 different routes, 12, 30 and 65 mile routes that travel through the scenic back roads of Ashland, Dover, Holliston, Hopkinton, Medway, Millis, Natick, Sherborn and Southborough. Cyclists will enjoy breakfast from Dunkin Donuts, excellent road support from Landry’s Bicycles, Natick and Grace Bicycles, a delicious BBQ from John Harvard’s Brewery and Ale House. Early this month event sponsor, Bernardi Toyota hosted a training ride to help riders prepare.
Cystic fibrosis is a rare genetic disease affecting 30,000 people nationwide and 70,000 across the globe. In 1955 when the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation began, children did not typically live to reach elementary school. Today people with CF are living longer, healthier lives thanks to improvements in research and patient care. On January 31, 2012 the FDA approved the drug Kalydeco whish is the first drug to address the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis. The science behind Kalydeco opens exciting new doors to research and development that may eventually lead to a cure for all people living with CF.
“The research that is taking place right here in Cambridge at Vertex Pharmaceutical holds great promise for the future. With support from riders, volunteers and sponsors like Bernardi Toyota, we have hope that we are on the right road to cure for cystic fibrosis,” says Terry Waite from the CF Foundation. For more information about the ride go to http://mass-ri.cff.org/cycle or call 800-966-0444 for the local office in Natick.
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Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Massachusetts/Rhode Island Chapter
220 North Main Street, Suite 104, Natick, Ma 01760 508-655-6000, twaite@cff.org