Crossing for a Cure: Cystic Fibrosis Awareness

Crossing for a Cure: Cystic Fibrosis Awareness

Crossing For A Cure is a long-distance endurance paddle challenge and international championship.

Paddlers will travel 80 miles across the Gulf Stream. This year’s event will begin Father’s Day weekend in Bimini and end in Lake Worth, Florida.

Travis Suit’s daughter Piper was only four years old when she was diagnosed with CF. He subsequently began the event to raise awareness and highlight the healing effects of the ocean on those living with cystic fibrosis.

After learning to paddle and surf as a fun and natural way of healing for Piper, Suit’s mission expanded in 2013 when he and three friends completed their first endurance paddle as a personal challenge to raise awareness for the cystic fibrosis community.  which has now evolved into a movement called Crossing for A Cure.

What is Cystic Fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time. Moreover, in people with cystic fibrosis, a defective gene causes a thick, buildup of mucus in the lungs, pancreas and other organs.

Mucus clogs the lungs and traps bacteria leading to infections, extensive lung damage and eventually, respiratory failure. Additionally, in the pancreas, the mucus prevents the release of digestive enzymes that allow the body to break down food and absorb vital nutrients.

“From paddlers to volunteers to boat captains, this is a monumental effort and it’s amazing to see so many people come together to challenge themselves and each other,” said Suit.

All participants try to raise a minimum of $1,500 for Piper’s Foundation, the non-profit set up by Travis Suit to support the families of the cystic fibrosis community. 100% of fundraising proceeds go directly to the Piper’s Angels Foundation.