On Oct 3rd, I will be biking 35 miles in the Seacoast Safari CF Cycle for Life in memory of our first-born son Patrick, who lost his battle to Cystic Fibrosis in 2017,  and in support of all those who continue to fight their own battle against this devastating disease.

Although there has been tremendous medical advances in the treatment of CF over the past several years, currently there is no cure and far too many people afflicted by CF die young. Fundraisers like this one is out to change that and I am doing my part this year to help raise the necessary money to fund critical CF research. 

Patrick was an inspiration to all knew him. To this day, he continues to inspire others, not only those who were lucky enough to have known him, but to those who have since learned his story of courage, strength and determination. 

These attributes were front & center in the summer of 2016, the last time Patrick biked in the Seacoast Safari with our team Patrick’s Pedalers (this was also the last year I biked in this event). Faced with extreme heat, humidity and headwinds and in spite of him having 30% lung capacity, Patrick was determined to finish his 75 mile ride. Everyone who knew Patrick also knows that quitting was never an option, and this challenge was no exception. 

I know Patrick is looking down from heaven and is proud of Tim, Andrew, Chris & me, as well as our other team members, for taking on this challenge this year.  And I also know that Patrick will be pulling for me the day of the event, and I will be pedaling with his constant, encouraging voice in my head not to give in to using pedal-assist on my eBike, something that Patrick would certainly have never considered doing. But above all else, with Patrick as my inspiration, I’m hoping to pedal across the finish line knowing that together, we are that much closer to the ultimate finish line of finding a cure for CF. 

As always, thank you for your continued support of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. 

Rhonda

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About CF….

CF is a genetic, life-shortening disease that devastates the lungs, pancreas, and other vital organs. CF makes it difficult to breathe and fight life-threatening infections, often leading to extensive lung damage and respiratory failure.  

Every person born with cystic fibrosis is on a unique journey and experiences this challenging disease differently. While progress has been made, a long road lies ahead for far too many people fighting this terrible disease. We need a cure so that everyone with CF has a better chance to live a long, healthy life.

Will you help us end cystic fibrosis?

By donating to my fundraising goal, you have the power to advance the research and science needed to drive our shared dream forward – a cure for everyone with CF.